General Drug Information and Indications

Dopamine antagonist/prokinetic for nausea, vomiting, and gastric stasis in dogs, cats, and horses. Dopamine D2 antagonist / prokinetic / antiemetic (metoclopramide HCl). Mechanism: blocks D2 receptors in CTZ (antiemetic) and in enteric nervous system (prokinetic — increases acetylcholine release → enhanced GI motility, tightens lower esophageal sphincter). Also 5-HT4 agonist contribution to prokinesis. IV or oral; crosses blood-brain barrier → extrapyramidal effects possible. Key information Metoclopramide — see metoclopramide entry. Do not use in GI obstruction. Give 30 min before meals. Extrapyramidal effects possible.

How to Give this Medication

Oral tablets or liquid: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer 30 min before meals. Injectable: IV (dilute; Administer IV slowly; rapid infusion may cause adverse reactions. over 15–30 min) or SQ. IV CRI (prokinetic): dilute in 0.9% NaCl; administer by continuous infusion. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Extrapyramidal effects (CNS dopamine blockade): restlessness, anxiety, tremors, tardive dyskinesia (prolonged use). Sedation. GI: diarrhea (excessive prokinesis). Cardiovascular effects rare. Contraindicated with GI obstruction/perforation.

Precautions

For animals Contraindicated in patients with GI obstruction or perforation. Extrapyramidal effects with prolonged use — use minimum effective dose and duration. Drug interaction: opioids reduce efficacy. Not approved for use in food-producing animals. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Dopamine antagonist — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Extrapyramidal effects possible with human ingestion. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Metoclopramide overdose causes extrapyramidal signs and sedation.

Metoclopram Inj dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
METOCLOPRAM INJ 5MG/ML5 MG/MLInjectable1Commercial
METOCLOPRAMIDE SOL 5MG/5ML5 MG—1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)