Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a drug against nausea and vomiting. It also stimulates movement of the oesophagus and stomach, so that liquids leave the stomach more quickly. In dogs, the vet uses it for example for vomiting, an irritated stomach or reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus.

Important: Vomiting can also be caused by a swallowed foreign body or an intestinal blockage. In that case metoclopramide must not be given, because it drives the stomach and intestines even harder. If your dog vomits repeatedly, if its belly is hard or painful or if it seems listless, call your vet. If it retches without bringing anything up and its belly is bloated, go to the animal hospital immediately. Do not give it metoclopramide or any other anti-nausea medicine from your own medicine cabinet.

According to CliniPharm (University of Zurich, as of October 2026), no veterinary medicine containing metoclopramide is currently licensed in Switzerland. In Germany and Austria, veterinary medicines containing metoclopramide are licensed for dogs and cats, as a solution for injection and for oral use. If no suitable veterinary medicine is available, the vet decides case by case which medicine can be used instead, for example a product for humans. This is called off-label use (known as cascade use in Europe), and it is reserved for vets. In Switzerland, the vet can also obtain a veterinary medicine licensed abroad.

What is metoclopramide used for in dogs?

Vomiting: for example when it is triggered by a metabolic disorder or by another medicine.

Irritated or sluggish stomach: with inflammation of the stomach lining or when the stomach empties too slowly.

Reflux of stomach acid: when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus and inflames it.

Parvovirus: as part of treatment when puppies are vomiting heavily.

After operations: when the stomach and intestines are slow to get going again afterwards.

Chemotherapy: Against vomiting caused by the cancer drug cisplatin, it worked less well in studies than ondansetron or maropitant.

Travel sickness: Metoclopramide does not work here. Ask your vet about a different medicine.

How does metoclopramide work?

In the brain: Metoclopramide blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, which triggers the urge to vomit. This weakens the urge to vomit.

In the stomach: The stomach contracts more strongly, and the sphincter muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus tightens. Liquids leave the stomach more quickly; the drug has hardly any effect on the large intestine.

Because metoclopramide passes easily into the brain, many side effects involve the nervous system.

Dosage and form

The dose is always set by the vet. It depends on the reason for treatment and on the dog’s weight and condition. If the vet has prescribed metoclopramide, give it only as instructed, and do not stop or change it on your own.

Metoclopramide is available as an injection, as a continuous drip into a vein and for oral use.

Side effects

Most side effects are mild and go away again once the medicine is stopped. They depend on the dose and the length of treatment.

• Behaviour: The most common change is in the dog’s behaviour or temperament, although this is rare overall. Some dogs become restless or unusually aggressive.
• Tiredness: Mild drowsiness is possible.
• Digestion: Constipation, less often diarrhoea.
• Allergic reaction: very rare.
• Movement disorders: Especially with longer use, trembling, stiff muscles or involuntary movements can occur. Seizures can become more frequent.

Watch for: If your dog trembles, twitches involuntarily, walks unsteadily or holds itself in an unusual way, has a seizure or is noticeably restless, contact your vet immediately.

When is metoclopramide not given?

• if a blockage, perforation or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is suspected. In puppies with parvovirus, the vet therefore checks beforehand whether the intestine has telescoped into itself
• in epilepsy
• in severe liver or kidney disease, only at an adjusted dose or not at all
• with a tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma), because blood pressure can rise dangerously
• with known hypersensitivity to the drug

Interactions and what the vet needs to know

Metoclopramide is not combined with certain sedatives (phenothiazines and butyrophenones). It can strengthen the effect of sedatives. Opioids and atropine cancel out its effect on the stomach. Because the stomach empties more quickly, the way the body absorbs other medicines can also change. In dogs with diabetes, insulin requirements can change.

So tell the vet which other medicines your dog is taking, whether it has diabetes or seizures and whether your bitch is pregnant or nursing.