MDose · Veterinary drug reference
METOCLOPRAMIDE
Favorites and recent references stay on this device. No patient data is stored.
Choose the species
One selection filters the source overview, clinical facts, reports and dose calculator. Literature references are not species-filtered.
Choose one species for its overview and dose calculator, or all species to browse the full evidence.
Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Antiemetic, gastroparesis/delayed gastric emptying, post-op ileus, adjunct GERD
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Antiemetic, gastroparesis/delayed gastric emptying, post-op ileus, adjunct GERD — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Antiemetic — may be a poor choice; cats have few CNS dopamine receptors
CatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Antiemetic — may be a poor choice; cats have few CNS dopamine receptors — Extra-label, limited efficacy expected
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens3
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects205
Mentation/behavior changes (restlessness, hyperactivity to depression) — Infrequent
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Frenzied behavior, disorientation — Reported
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Constipation — Both species
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Severe CNS excitement, abdominal discomfort (esp. with IV) — Common, limits use
HorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting169 reports
- Diarrhoea114 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')109 reports
- Death by euthanasia99 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS94 reports
- Anorexia90 reports
- Death77 reports
- Not eating67 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)66 reports
- Elevated total bilirubin66 reports
- Emesis64 reports
- Leucocytosis NOS61 reports
Cat
- Vomiting22 reports
- Death by euthanasia14 reports
- Weight loss14 reports
- Anorexia13 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS11 reports
- Hyperglycaemia11 reports
- Death10 reports
- Dehydration10 reports
- Hypothermia10 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS10 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS10 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)9 reports
Monitoring1
Clinical efficacy; watch for involuntary movements/rigid posture (extrapyramidal signs) — instruct owners to report
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
GI hemorrhage, obstruction, or perforation; hypersensitivity
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Seizure disorders (relatively/absolutely contraindicated), pheochromocytoma (hypertensive crisis risk), pseudopregnancy (↑ prolactin)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cats have relatively few CNS dopamine receptors — metoclopramide is a comparatively weak antiemetic choice in cats; maropitant or ondansetron are usually preferred.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Not effective for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — do not rely on it in that setting.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CRI generally outperforms intermittent bolus dosing for antiemetic effect in hospitalized patients.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions5
Anticholinergics (atropine) — Antagonize metoclopramide's GI motility effect
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Opioids — Antagonize GI motility effect; ↑ CNS depressant effect
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Phenothiazines/butyrophenones — ↑ extrapyramidal effect risk
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
MAO inhibitors (amitraz, selegiline) — Could cause hypertension
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cyclosporine, tetracyclines — ↑ GI absorption of these drugs
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Bioavailability — Variable, first-pass reduces to ~30% in some human patients
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — 13–22%
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — ~90 min (dog); reported range <1–2h
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic (glucuronide/sulfate conjugates)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Renal (20–25% unchanged)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Papich canine/feline class B. Excreted in milk at ~2x plasma levels — no significant risk noted to nursing offspring reported.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 820–822; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 520–522 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references10
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Bolus and infusions of metoclopramide: insights on benefits and risks from pharmacokinetic modelling.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Hyperemesis gravidarum revisited: from GDF15 biology to precision multimodal therapy.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Use of erythromycin and metoclopramide in hospitalized dogs: a multicenter historical cohort study.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Effects of a blend extract of Sauropus androgynus, Moringa oleifera, and Coleus amboinicus on milk production in lactating rats.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- The Effect of Maropitant, Ondansetron and Metoclopramide on Dexmedetomidine-Induced Vomiting in Cats.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.