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Metoclopramide

Prescription
Dopamine D2 antagonist / prokinetic / antiemetic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
7 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the CTZ (antiemetic), enhances acetylcholine release in the GI tract (prokinetic), and antagonises 5-HT3 receptors at higher doses

At a glance

Class
Dopamine D2 antagonist / prokinetic / antiemetic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Vomiting / gastric motility disorders
Dose
0.2–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO, SC, IM, IV
Frequency
TID-QID
Max dose
20 mg/dose; 80 mg/day
Duration: 3-5 days
CRI for persistent vomiting
Dose
1–2 mg/kg/day
Route
IV CRI
Frequency
Continuous infusion
Max dose
80 mg
Duration: 24-72 hours
🐈

Cat

Vomiting / gastric motility disorders
Dose
0.2–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO, SC, IV
Frequency
TID
Max dose
5 mg/dose; 15 mg/day
Duration: 3-5 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
10mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
5mg/mL
Available in India
🧴

Syrup — 1

Strength
5mg/5mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • GI obstruction, perforation, or haemorrhage
    Prokinetic effect dangerous in mechanical obstruction
  • Phaeochromocytoma
    May cause hypertensive crisis
  • Seizure disorders
    Lowers seizure threshold

Use with caution

  • Concurrent phenothiazines
    Increased extrapyramidal effects

Adverse effects

Common
Restlessness
Drowsiness
Constipation
Serious
Extrapyramidal signs (tremors, rigidity)
Behavioural changes
Hyperprolactinaemia

Monitoring parameters

Neurological/behavioural signsGI motilityVomiting frequency
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Moderate — 7

Acepromazine
moderate
Both are dopamine antagonists; additive extrapyramidal effects (tremors, restlessness)
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If needed, reduce doses and monitor for neurological signs.
Morphine Sulfate
moderate
Opioids slow GI motility (anti-prokinetic). Metoclopramide stimulates GI motility (prokinetic). Pharmacologically opposing effects.
Management: Metoclopramide antiemetic effect (D2 blockade) is preserved, but prokinetic effect is reduced by concurrent opioids. For prokinetic benefit, may need higher metoclopramide dose.
Cisapride
moderate
Both increase GI motility but via different mechanisms. Additive prokinetic effect may cause excessive GI motility (cramping, diarrhea).
Management: Usually not needed together — use one prokinetic. If combined, monitor for excessive GI motility signs.
Tramadol
moderate
Metoclopramide (D2 antagonist) + tramadol (serotonin reuptake inhibitor): increased extrapyramidal and serotonergic risk. Also, tramadol slows GI motility opposing metoclopramide.
Management: Use with caution. Monitor for extrapyramidal signs and serotonin syndrome. Maropitant may be preferred antiemetic with tramadol.
Atropine Sulfate
moderate
Atropine (anticholinergic) antagonizes metoclopramide's prokinetic effect (which depends on cholinergic facilitation). Antiemetic D2 blockade by metoclopramide is not affected.
Management: Prokinetic effect is reduced, but antiemetic effect preserved. Avoid combining if prokinetic goal is primary.
Cyclosporine (Systemic)
moderate
Metoclopramide increases GI motility, potentially increasing cyclosporine absorption rate and peak levels.
Management: Monitor cyclosporine levels if metoclopramide added. Usually clinically modest effect.
Glycopyrrolate
moderate
Glycopyrrolate (anticholinergic) antagonizes metoclopramide's prokinetic effect. Antiemetic D2 blockade of metoclopramide is preserved.
Management: Avoid combining if prokinetic effect is desired. If anticholinergic needed for bradycardia during procedure, metoclopramide prokinetic benefit will be lost.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Reglan
Wyeth

India

Perinorm
Ipca
Metacin
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide is a dopamine d2 antagonist / prokinetic / antiemetic used in pets. Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the CTZ (antiemetic), enhances acetylcholine release in the GI tract (prokinetic), and antagonises 5-HT3 receptors at higher doses
What is Metoclopramide used for in pets?
Metoclopramide is used in veterinary medicine for: Vomiting / gastric motility disorders; CRI for persistent vomiting.
What is the Metoclopramide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Metoclopramide is typically dosed as follows — Vomiting / gastric motility disorders: 0.2–0.5 mg/kg PO/SC/IM/IV TID-QID; CRI for persistent vomiting: 1–2 mg/kg/day IV CRI Continuous infusion. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Metoclopramide dose for cats?
For cats, Metoclopramide is typically dosed as follows — Vomiting / gastric motility disorders: 0.2–0.5 mg/kg PO/SC/IV TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Metoclopramide?
Common: Restlessness, Drowsiness, Constipation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Extrapyramidal signs (tremors, rigidity), Behavioural changes, Hyperprolactinaemia.
Does Metoclopramide need a prescription?
Yes. Metoclopramide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Metoclopramide not be used?
Do not use Metoclopramide if: GI obstruction, perforation, or haemorrhage; Phaeochromocytoma; Seizure disorders.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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