Pet owner resources
Read the information sheet below, then print or download it for reference. Follow the instructions on your pet’s dispensing label and from your veterinary team.
Metoclopramide
Pet owner information sheet
💊 The most important rule: give this medication exactly as your veterinarian prescribed it — the right dose, at the right times, for the right number of days.
What is this medication for?
- Antiemetic, gastroparesis/delayed gastric emptying, post-op ileus, adjunct GERD
- Antiemetic — may be a poor choice; cats have few CNS dopamine receptors
How is it given?
Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.
What if I miss a dose?
- Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
- Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.
Side effects — what should I watch for?
Effects listed as common in this handout
- Mentation/behavior changes (restlessness, hyperactivity to depression) (Infrequent)
- Frenzied behavior, disorientation (Reported)
- Constipation (Both species)
Worth a phone call to your veterinarian
- Severe CNS excitement, abdominal discomfort (esp. with into a vein) (Common, limits use)
⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice
- Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums
Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:
- has or has had: stomach/intestinal bleeding, obstruction, or perforation; hypersensitivity
- has or has had: Seizure disorders (relatively/absolutely contraindicated), pheochromocytoma (hypertensive crisis risk), pseudopregnancy (↑ prolactin)
- is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
- is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
- Anticholinergics (atropine)
- Opioids
- Phenothiazines/butyrophenones
- MAO inhibitors (amitraz, selegiline)
- Cyclosporine, tetracyclines
Storage and handling
Room temperature, protect from light, do not freeze. Prepared syringes stable 60–90 days refrigerated.
Good to know
- Cats have relatively few CNS dopamine receptors — metoclopramide is a comparatively weak antiemetic choice in cats; maropitant or ondansetron are usually preferred.
- Not effective for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — do not rely on it in that setting.
- CRI generally outperforms intermittent bolus dosing for antiemetic effect in hospitalized patients.
This information sheet is educational and supplements — it does not replace — your veterinarian's individual instructions. Doses are set by your veterinarian based on your pet's weight, health, and other medications.
Questions? Contact: _________________ (clinic) • After-hours emergency: _________________