Metoclopramide (Generic)

What is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide is a medication used to treat vomiting and acid reflux in many animal species. It also may be used to control side effects, such as vomiting, resulting from chemotherapy. In rabbits, it may aid in the treatment of hairballs.

Who is it for?
It is for dogs, cats, and many other species.

What are the benefits?

Metoclopramide is commonly used in many species to treat vomiting, and reflux disease. It may aid in the treatment of hairballs in rabbits, and is often prescribed to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting.

How does Metoclopramide work?
When muscles in the stomach do not push the food through to the intestines, un-passed food can cause 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. Metoclopramide also acts directly on the brain to help reduce vomiting.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
This is a generic medication.

How is it given?
Metoclopramide is given orally with plenty of water. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Metoclopramide will not cure the underlying cause of the vomiting. Metoclopramide acts quite rapidly, but is short-acting, so generally must be given several times a day.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in tablet form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Reglan, Maxolon

Pronunciation
meht-oh-KLOE-pra-mide

Common Drug Name
Metoclopramide

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Metoclopramide?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be necessary to treat the cause of the vomiting in your pet.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has a history of seizures or an adrenal gland tumor called a pheochromocytoma.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, including insulin, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Metoclopramide may help control the vomiting, but the underlying cause of the vomiting must also be treated.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to Metoclopramide. Do not use in an animal who has a stomach or intestinal blockage, or bleeding into the stomach. Do not use in an animal with a history of seizures. Metoclopramide could cause seizures.

Do not use in an animal with an adrenal tumor called a pheochromocytoma. It could result in a potentially fatal increase in blood pressure.

Use with caution in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Metoclopramide can cross the placenta and enter the milk.

What side effects may be seen when taking Metoclopramide?
The most common side effect is constipation. May also see behavior and attitude changes such as disorientation and frenzy. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Metoclopramide is destroyed by light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
May see sleepiness, staggering, agitation, seizures, vomiting, constipation, a rigid posture or involuntary movement of the eyes and limbs. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Metoclopramide?
Consult your veterinarian before using Metoclopramide with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur.

Because Metoclopramide increases the movement of stomach and intestinal contents, it can affect the absorption of many oral drugs. Metoclopramide may change the insulin requirements of diabetic animals. Sedatives and tranquilizers may increase the chance of behavior and attitude changes caused by Metoclopramide.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.