Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats
Vet-reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS ·
What is Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats
Overview
Metoclopramide is a multifunctional drug that affects both the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. It is classified as a D2 dopamine antagonist, a 5-HT3 antagonist, and a 5-HT4 receptor agonist. These combined actions allow it to control vomiting while improving stomach and intestinal motility.
It is particularly effective for conditions where the stomach is not emptying normally or when vomiting is triggered by chemicals that affect the brain’s vomiting center. Because it crosses the blood brain barrier, it can also cause some nervous system side effects, especially at higher doses or when combined with other drugs that affect dopamine receptors.
Explore more digestive and GI medications in our Digestive section.
What Is Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats Used For
| Condition | Notes |
|---|---|
| Vomiting from GI disease or illness | Commonly used for nausea and vomiting, particularly when related to reduced stomach movement. |
| Chemotherapy-related vomiting | Helps manage vomiting associated with cancer treatment. |
| Parvoviral enteritis | Supports vomiting control in affected dogs. |
| Gastroesophageal reflux | Increases lower esophageal sphincter tone to reduce reflux. |
| Postoperative ileus | Helps restore motility after abdominal surgery. |
| Ileus diagnosed by imaging | Frequently chosen when imaging shows poor GI movement. |
| Prophylaxis after abdominal surgery | Often used preventively in hospitalized dogs. |
How Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats Works
Metoclopramide works in two main ways:Antiemetic effect: It blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain, preventing vomiting signals.Prokinetic effect: It increases acetylcholine activity in the upper GI tract, improving movement of food through the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, and duodenum. This strengthens motility and coordinates contractions.
Drug Facts
Metoclopramide is a prokinetic and antiemetic medication used in both dogs and cats. Its combined effects make it useful for vomiting associated with decreased stomach motility. It is available in tablet, liquid, injectable, and CRI (continuous rate infusion) forms.
Common Brands
Reglan, Gimoti, Maxolon
Drug Class
Prokinetic agent, dopamine antagonist
Substance Classification
Not a controlled medication
Generic Status
Generic widely available
Availability
Prescription
Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats Dosage Forms
Metoclopramide is available as oral tablets, oral liquid, injectable solution, and CRI formulations used in hospitals. Oral forms are convenient for home use, while injectable and CRI methods are preferred for hospitalized pets with continuous vomiting or ileus.
Oral Tablets (30 pcs)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | $7.00 | $0.23 |
| 10 mg | $9.00 | $0.30 |
Oral liquid (1 mg/mL)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mL | $28.00 | $0.93 |
| 60 mL | $45.00 | $0.70 |
Injectable solution (5 mg/mL)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mL | $20.00 | $1.00 |
| 50 mL | $35.00 | $0.70 |
Typical Dosing For Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats
Dosing depends on the pet’s species, size, illness, and route of administration.
Oral, Subcutaneous, or Intramuscular dosing
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs and cats | 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg every 8 hours | Used for vomiting and prokinetic support. |
| Hospitalized dogs | Up to 2 mg/kg per day | Higher doses seen in retrospective studies. |
IV constant-rate infusion (CRI)
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs and cats | 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg per hour | Equivalent to 1 to 2 mg/kg per day. |
Risks and Warnings for Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats
Metoclopramide crosses the blood brain barrier and may cause CNS side effects, including restlessness, agitation, hyperactivity, or aggression. In severe cases, dogs may experience extrapyramidal signs, which are involuntary muscle spasms or abnormal movements caused by dopamine receptor blockade. These reactions may occur more often when combined with drugs such as phenothiazines or butyrophenones.
Other risks may include sedation, behavioral changes, or diarrhea. Pets with GI obstruction must not receive metoclopramide, since stimulating the gut could worsen an obstruction. Conditions like intussusception must be ruled out.
Concurrent use of opioid pain medications or anticholinergic drugs may negate metoclopramide’s prokinetic effects.
Metoclopramide for Dogs and Cats Warnings and Precautions
Use metoclopramide cautiously and under veterinary supervision.
- Do not use in animals with suspected GI obstruction.
- Avoid combining with other dopamine-blocking medications.
- Monitor for involuntary muscle movements or agitation.
- Reduce dose in pets with kidney or liver disease.
- Stop medication if behavior changes worsen.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before using or combining any medications for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What conditions does metoclopramide treat in dogs?
It is used for vomiting, reflux, delayed gastric emptying, and postoperative ileus.
How fast does metoclopramide work?
Many dogs respond within one to two hours when given by injection. Oral forms may take longer.
Can metoclopramide be used long term?
Long-term use is uncommon and should only be done under veterinary supervision.
What signs indicate side effects?
Restlessness, agitation, unusual aggression, tremors, or muscle twitching.
Can cats receive metoclopramide?
Yes, but its antiemetic effect in cats may be less reliable than in dogs.
Related Medications & Supplements
Dogs being treated with metoclopramide for nausea, vomiting, or digestive motility issues may also benefit from other gastrointestinal medications that help manage stomach upset, inflammation, or underlying infections. These treatments are commonly used together to support a dog's overall digestive health.
- Maropitant - anti-nausea medication used to control acute vomiting
- Ondansetron - antiemetic that helps manage nausea and vomiting
- Omeprazole - acid reducer for stomach irritation and ulcers
- Famotidine - antihistamine acid reducer for mild gastric discomfort
- Sucralfate - gastrointestinal protectant that coats and soothes ulcers
- Metronidazole - antibiotic used for gastrointestinal infections and diarr
References
- Teo, E.F., et al. (2025) ‘Use of erythromycin and metoclopramide in hospitalized dogs: a multicenter historical cohort study’, Front Vet Sci., 12, 1551312. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063353/
- Al-Zubaidy, M.H. & Mohammad, F.K. (2005) ‘Metoclopramide-induced central nervous system depression in the chicken’, BMC Veterinary Research, 1:6. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1746-6148-1-6
- Dowling, P.M. (2023) ‘Gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs used in monogastric animals’, MSD Veterinary Manual. Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-digestive-system/gastrointestinal-prokinetic-drugs-used-in-monogastric-animals
- Topal, A. & Gul, N.Y. (2006) 'Effects of Dexamethasone, Metoclopramide or Acepromazine on Emesis in Cats Sedated with Xylazine Hydrochloride'. Acta Vet. Brno, 75, pp. 299-303. Available at: https://actavet.vfu.cz/media/pdf/avb_2006075020299.pdf
- Armstrong, P.J. (2015) ‘Medications for acute vomiting’, Today’s Veterinary Practice. Available at: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2015/02/MedicationsForAcuteVomiting.pdf
- Wilson, D., et al. (2006) ‘Influence of metoclopramide on gastroesophageal reflux in anesthetized dogs’, American Journal of Veterinary Research, 67(1), pp. 26-32. Available at: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/67/1/ajvr.67.1.26.xml
- Bedir, A.G., et al. (2025) ‘The Effect of Maropitant, Ondansetron and Metoclopramide on Dexmedetomidine-Induced Vomiting in Cats’, Veterinary Medicine and Science, 11(1):e70152. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vms3.70152
Editor
The Webvet Editorial Team is a collective of seasoned pet-care journalists, veterinary content specialists, and industry editors dedicated to delivering accurate, trustworthy, and compassionate pet health information. With decades of combined experience across veterinary reporting, pet wellness education, and consumer product research, our team works closely with veterinarians and certified pet experts to ensure every article is both evidence-based and easy to understand.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
