Metoclopramide
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Metoclopramide during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This medicine is used to help food travel through the stomach and the first part of the intestines. It may also be used to help stop vomiting or to help prevent vomiting.
- Give this medicine when the stomach is empty, usually about 15 to 30 minutes before a meal.
- Possible side effects include trouble passing stool, needing to urinate more often, sleepiness, and changes in behavior.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine. It also does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine helps the gut move food along.
- It encourages food to move through the upper part of the digestive system.
- It comes as tablets and as liquid that can be given by mouth.
Other common names
- Reglan
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it in animals (this is called extra-label use), including for:
- Helping the digestive system move food along in dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Helping prevent vomiting or helping treat vomiting in dogs and cats.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your animal is currently getting.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in patients:
- That have had an allergic reaction to it.
- That have a blockage in the digestive system, or a tear, or bleeding in the digestive system.
- That have seizure problems.
- That have a certain adrenal gland tumor called a pheochromocytoma.
- That have a movement problem called tardive dyskinesia.
Use with caution in patients:
- That have high blood pressure.
- That have heart failure.
- That have kidney or liver disease.
- That are having a false pregnancy.
- That are nursing.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal is competing while taking a medicine, check the rules.
Warnings for humans
Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Always follow what the prescription label says.
- Give it when the stomach is empty, about 15 to 30 minutes before feeding.
- If you are giving the liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Trouble passing stool.
- Needing to urinate more often.
- Sleepiness.
- Behavior changes such as acting aggressive, making more noise than usual, seeming unable to settle, or acting overly active (this is seen especially in cats).
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Repeated muscle movements or muscle spasms.
How will I know it's working?
This medicine usually begins to work within 1 to 2 hours. As it starts working, you should see your animal’s signs slowly improve.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or if they do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, this medicine should no longer be working within 24 hours.
If your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well, the effects may continue for a longer time.
How long do I give it for?
Animals may need this medicine for different time periods. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
Signs that too much has been given include vomiting, extreme sleepiness, poor coordination, muscle spasms, and agitation.
An overdose can also lead to a problem called serotonin syndrome. This happens when too much serotonin builds up in the body. Signs can include stiff muscles, muscle shaking, restlessness, confusion, or seizures.
If you see an overdose or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it down a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and throw it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”