Metoclopramide (Reglan) for Pets in 2025 🐾

If your pet is battling nausea, vomiting, or poor stomach emptying, your veterinarian may prescribe Metoclopramide—a medication known for improving gut motility and relieving nausea. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and this comprehensive 2025 guide will walk you through how Metoclopramide (Reglan) is used safely in dogs and cats. 🐶🐱

🧬 What Is Metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide is a dual-purpose medication that:

• 💊 Reduces nausea and vomiting via its effects on the brain
• 💪 Improves gastric motility by enhancing stomach contractions

These combined effects make it useful in many conditions that disrupt digestion and cause discomfort in pets.

📦 Available Forms

• 💊 Tablets: 5 mg and 10 mg
• 🧴 Oral suspension (less commonly used due to taste)
• 💉 Injectable (typically administered in clinical settings)

📋 When Is Metoclopramide Used?

This medication is commonly used for:

• 🤢 Nausea and vomiting (especially chronic or motion-related)
• 🍽️ Loss of appetite due to nausea
• 🧠 Vestibular issues causing motion sickness
• 🔁 Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis)
• 🐱 Cat-specific use: Gut motility disorders
• 🐕 Dog-specific use: Primarily for anti-nausea effects

🧠 How It Works

Metoclopramide works through two primary mechanisms:

1. Acts on the brain: Crosses the blood-brain barrier to block nausea signals in the CNS
2. Enhances stomach rhythm: Encourages proper food movement through the stomach and intestines

🕒 Dosing & Administration

• ⏰ Best given 20 minutes before a meal
• 🍽️ Can be given with or without food
• ❌ If a dose is missed, do not double up—resume next dose as scheduled

⚠️ Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, metoclopramide may cause:

• 💤 Drowsiness or sedation
• ⚡ Hyperactivity (rare, reversible with diphenhydramine)
• 🧠 Seizures in animals with predisposing conditions
• 🚫 Constipation (rare)

If your pet exhibits neurological changes or behavioral shifts, contact your vet immediately.

💊 Drug Interactions

• ❌ Avoid with phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine) in seizure-prone pets
• ❌ Tramadol may increase seizure risk
• ❌ Inactivated by propantheline bromide
• ❌ Effects reduced by opioids (narcotic analgesics)
• ❌ Risk of hypertension when used with MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, amitraz)
• ❗ Can increase side effects when used with mirtazapine or SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine)

🚫 Contraindications

Metoclopramide should be avoided in pets with:

• ⚠️ Stomach or intestinal obstruction
• ⚠️ GI bleeding
• ⚠️ History of seizures or epilepsy
• ⚠️ False pregnancy (may worsen hormone activity)
• ⚠️ Pheochromocytoma (can trigger high blood pressure)

🔁 Alternatives to Metoclopramide

If your pet does not tolerate metoclopramide, your veterinarian may suggest:

• Cisapride: Stronger motility aid, does not cross the blood-brain barrier
• Maropitant (Cerenia): Potent anti-nausea for cats and dogs
• Ondansetron: Excellent for chemo-related nausea or severe vomiting

📲 Ask a Vet for Safe Use

Not sure if your pet is a good candidate for metoclopramide? Have a pet with chronic vomiting? Download the Ask A Vet app and speak with a licensed veterinarian for personalized medication guidance and support. 🐾💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Metoclopramide helps reduce nausea & improve stomach motility
• ✔️ Used in both dogs and cats with different primary effects
• ✔️ Best given before meals; avoid in pets with GI blockages
• ✔️ Monitor for behavior changes or drowsiness
• ✔️ Interacts with many sedatives & antidepressants—vet approval essential

Metoclopramide is a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, offering relief from nausea and helping pets regain appetite and comfort. With the right veterinary plan, this medication can make a big difference in quality of life. 💛

Still have questions? Ask A Vet is here to help 24/7 with expert advice from qualified professionals. 🐶🐱

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc