Metoclopramide is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Metoclopramide is available as 5mg and 10mg scored tablets. The usual dose for dogs and cats is 0.1-0.2mg/pound every 6-8 hours. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. Metoclopramide is not for use in animals allergic to it. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits uncontrollable movements or muscle spasms of the legs, lips, jaw, tongue, face or other body part, agitation, jitteriness, shortness of breath or insomnia. Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness.
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Metoclopramide for Dogs, Cats & Horses - 5mg (Per Tablet) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Gastrointestinal Health]
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- Description
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Description
Metoclopramide is classified as an anti-emetic or anti-vomiting drug. Metoclopramide is prescribed to treat a wide variety of stomach issues that include vomiting, nausea, acid reflux disease, or food compaction. Metoclopramide blocks chemicals in the brain that cause your pet to vomit while stimulating the contraction of the stomach and intestines to help move food through the digestive tract.
Key Benefits
- Aids in the treatment of Gastric disorders in pets
- Treats cats with ileus
- Treats dogs with ileus
- Stimulates the mobility of the upper GI tract of cats and dogs
- Speeds gastric emptying
- Increases the sphincter pressure in the lower esophagus and reduces gastroesophageal reflux, which also may be helpful for decreasing vomiting.
How It Works
When motility (movement) in the stomach is reduced, food pools and creates a sensation of nausea and bloating. In some cases, bile refluxes from the intestine back into the stomach, causing irritation and more nausea. Metoclopramide normalizes stomach contractions so that food and bile can pass in the correct direction. Additionally, metoclopramide is able to cross a biochemical blood-brain barrier to control nausea. Metoclopramide helps the vomiting pet by acting directly on the brain to reduce the sensation of nausea.
Directions
Metoclopramide is usually given 3 or 4 times a day. Give each dose with plenty of water. Follow your veterinarian¿s instructions. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store metoclopramide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
- Metoclopramide is a prescription medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and reflux disease in dogs and cats.
- Metoclopramide is also used to treat post-operative nausea and vomiting and to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Tip: Give each dose with plenty of water. Give exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
| Pet | Weight | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs/Cats: | All weights | The usual dose is 0.1-0.2mg per pound of pet's body weight every 6-8 hours |
Cautions:
Do not use a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Anipryl, Selegiline, or a Preventic Flea Collar on your pet while giving this medication. Stop giving metoclopramide and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has an allergic reaction. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, if your pet has had recent stomach surgery, or is pregnant or lactating.
Precautions:
Metoclopramide should not be used in animals with GI obstruction, perforation or hemorrhage. Metoclopramide should not be used in animals with a history of seizures, as it may lower the seizure threshold. Metoclopramide should not be used in animals with pheochromocytoma.
Possible Side Effects:
Dogs rarely experience CNS side-effects may include either sedation or hyperactivity. Cats may experience hyperactivity or disorientation.
Dogs and cats: Signs of neurotoxicity may occur in both dogs and cats at therapeutic levels. These signs usually will resolve within a few days of discontinuing the metoclopramide. Diphenhydramine may help reduce movement disorders, such as twisting movements of the face, neck, trunk or limbs, as well as CNS depression, nervousness, restlessness or frenzied behavior especially in cats. Constipation may occur in both species.
Possible Drug Interactions:
Metoclopramide may affect the absorption of other oral medications including cyclosporine and tetracyclines. Cholinergic drugs such as bethanechol may increase the effect of metoclopramide on the GI system. Metoclopramide may increase the CNS-depressant effects of phenothiazine tranquilizers, sedatives, narcotics, barbiturates, antihistamines and anesthetic agents. Extrapyramidal effects of metoclopramide also may be increased with concurrent use of phenothiazine tranquilizers, narcotics and butyrophenones. Acute hypotension may occur with IV use of metoclopramide and anesthetic drugs. Hypertension may occur with concurrent use of metoclopramide and MAO inhibitors. Opiate analgesics, atropine and other anticholinergic drugs may antagonize any effects on GI motility.
Storage:
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
FAQ
Metoclopramide is a gastrointestinal stimulant used in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and esophageal reflux. It also used to treat post-operative nausea and vomiting and to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Metoclopramide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or recent stomach surgery. Inform your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
Metoclopramide is usually given 3 or 4 times a day. Give each dose with plenty of water. Follow your veterinarian's instructions. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store metoclopramide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, and uncontrollable movements of the legs, face and tongue, muscle spasm of the neck, tremor, irritability and agitation.
Do not use Preventic Flea Collar on your pet while giving this medication.
Stop giving metoclopramide and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, face; and hives), uncontrollable spasms of the legs, lips, jaw, tongue, face or other body part, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, depression, yellowing of the skin or eyes, seizures. Other less serious side effects that may occur include nausea or diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, fluid retention, increased urination. Continue to give the medication and contact your veterinarian.
Before giving metoclopramide, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given an MAOI such as selegiline or Anipryl (within the last 14 days), digoxin, cyclosporine, tetracycline, insulin, a narcotic pain reliever or anticholinergic or antispasmodic medications such as Bentyl (dicyclomine). Also tell your veterinarian of any other medications you are giving that may cause drowsiness such as pain relievers, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants or any other prescription or over the counter medications.
Your pharmacist has additional information about metoclopramide written for health professionals that you may read.
