Metoclopramide
Also known as: Reglan, Metozolv, Emeprid, Metomotyl, Vomend, Maxolon
Metoclopramide is used to help empty the stomach and prevent nausea and vomiting. * **Administration**: For best results as a prokinetic, administer the medication about 30 minutes before your pet's meal. * **Behavioral Changes**: Watch for unusual behavior. In dogs, this may look like restlessness, pacing, or aggression. In cats, it may manifest as frenzied behavior or disorientation. * > **Emergency Warning**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops involuntary muscle spasms, twitching of the eyes/face/limbs, or a rigid posture. These are known as extrapyramidal signs and can be quickly reversed with specific medications provided by your vet. * Store the medication at room temperature and protect it from light.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As a prokinetic for adjunctive treatment of esophagitis
- General use
- General use
- To increase bladder contractility
- To induce milk let-down for secondary agalactia
- To stimulate the gastrointestinal tract
- For reflux esophagitis
- General therapeutics (Rabbits)
- To assist in removing gastric hairballs (Rabbits)
- Pro-motile drug for ileus (Rabbits)
- General therapeutics (Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas)
- As an antiemetic
- As an antiemetic
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dogs: Changes in mentation and behavior (motor restlessness, involuntary spasms, aggression, hyperactivity to drowsiness/depression), constipation
- Cats: Frenzied behavior, disorientation, constipation
- Horses: Severe CNS effects (IV use), alternating sedation and excitement, behavioral changes, abdominal pain
- Extrapyramidal effects (tremors, rigid posture)
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Transient hypertension
- Elevated prolactin levels
- Extrapyramidal signs (tremors, twitching, hyperactivity, restlessness)
- Sedation
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Changes in mentation or behavior
Cautions & contraindications
- GI hemorrhage
- GI obstruction or perforation
- Hypersensitivity to metoclopramide
- Seizure disorders (relatively contraindicated, lowers seizure threshold)
- Head trauma
- Pheochromocytoma (may induce hypertensive crisis)
- Concurrent phenothiazine therapy
- Dogs with pseudopregnancy (stimulates prolactin release)
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Seizure disorders (epilepsy)
- Pheochromocytoma
Drug interactions
- Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Alcohol: Metoclopramide may enhance the absorption of these agents.
- Anesthetics: Acute hypotension has been reported if metoclopramide is used concurrently IV.
- Atropine (and anticholinergics): May antagonize the GI motility effects of metoclopramide.
- Cephalexin: Oral metoclopramide increases cephalexin peak plasma concentrations and AUC in dogs.
- Cholinergic Drugs (e.g., bethanechol): May enhance metoclopramide's GI effects.
- CNS Depressants: Metoclopramide may enhance CNS depressant effects.
- Cyclosporine: Metoclopramide increases the rate and extent of GI absorption.
- Opiate Analgesics: May antagonize the GI motility effects and enhance metoclopramide's CNS effects.
- MAO Inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, selegiline): Could cause hypertension.
- Phenothiazines and Butyrophenones: May potentiate the extrapyramidal effects of metoclopramide.
- Propofol: Reduces induction requirements of propofol by 20-25%.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metoclopramide used for in pets?
Metoclopramide is used to help empty the stomach and prevent nausea and vomiting. * **Administration**: For best results as a prokinetic, administer the medication about 30 minutes before your pet's meal. * **Behavioral Changes**: Watch for unusual behavior. In dogs, this may look like restlessness, pacing, or aggression. In cats, it may manifest as frenzied behavior or disorientation. * > **Emergency Warning**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops involuntary muscle spasms, twitching of the eyes/face/limbs, or a rigid posture. These are known as extrapyramidal signs and can be quickly reversed with specific medications provided by your vet. * Store the medication at room temperature and protect it from light.
Is Metoclopramide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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