🔄 Prokinetic / Antiemetic

Metoclopramide Dog Dosage Calculator

Accurate metoclopramide dosing for dogs by weight and route — covering intermittent oral dosing and continuous rate infusion (CRI) for gastric motility disorders and emesis control.

⚠️

Extrapyramidal effects possible. Metoclopramide crosses the blood-brain barrier. Do not use in dogs with epilepsy, GI obstruction, or pheochromocytoma. Veterinary supervision required.

💊

About Metoclopramide (Reglan / Maxolon)

Drug Class

Dopamine Antagonist — Prokinetic and Antiemetic

Mechanism of Action

Metoclopramide blocks dopamine D₂ receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and gut, reducing nausea and vomiting signals. It also sensitises upper GI smooth muscle to acetylcholine, accelerating gastric emptying and upper intestinal motility (prokinetic effect).

Primary Uses in Dogs

Nausea and vomiting (especially from uraemia, drugs, and GI disorders), gastric motility disorders, megaoesophagus, reflux oesophagitis, and as part of management of gastric dilatation-volvulus (post-surgery).

Dosing Quick Reference

Indication Dose Frequency
Antiemetic / prokinetic 0.2–0.5 mg/kg q6–8h PO/SC/IV
Continuous IV infusion 1–2 mg/kg/day CRI in hospital
Reflux oesophagitis 0.5 mg/kg q8h PO 30 min pre-meal

Common Side Effects

  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Restlessness, hyperactivity (opposite of intended — especially in cats)
  • Extrapyramidal signs: tremors, muscle stiffness (more common in cats)
  • Constipation
  • Prolactin elevation with long-term use

Monitoring

Monitor behaviour for extrapyramidal signs (tremors, facial twitching). If present, discontinue immediately. Check renal function before long-term use.

⚠️ Avoid in dogs with GI obstruction, perforation, or haemorrhage. Do not use with other dopamine antagonists or phenothiazines. Reduce dose in renal impairment (renal clearance reduced). Maropitant (Cerenia) is often preferred for antiemesis without prokinetic side effects.

What Is Metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide is a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist and prokinetic agent that enhances gastric emptying and coordinates antroduodenal motility. It also exerts central antiemetic effects by blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). In dogs it is used for delayed gastric emptying, gastroesophageal reflux, megaesophagus, and post-operative nausea.

CRI (continuous rate infusion) maintains steadier plasma levels than intermittent dosing and is preferred in hospitalized patients with severe ileus or intractable vomiting. Available as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, 5 mg/5 mL syrup, and 5 mg/mL injectable solution.

Key Pharmacology

  • Mechanism: D2 antagonist (CTZ + gut); also weak 5-HT4 agonist (prokinesis)
  • Oral bioavailability: 60–80% in dogs
  • Half-life: ~1.5 hours; CNS effects outlast plasma levels
  • Contraindications: GI obstruction/perforation, epilepsy, pheochromocytoma, concurrent opioids (may enhance CNS effects)

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your dog’s body weight in kg or lbs
  2. Choose the administration route (oral or CRI)
  3. Select the available formulation strength
  4. Click Calculate to see dose per administration and frequency

🧮 Metoclopramide Dose Calculator

Metoclopramide Dosing Result

References

  1. Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2018.
  2. Washabau RJ, Elie MS. Antiemetic therapy. In: Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XIII. WB Saunders; 2000.
  3. Marks SL, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on gastroprotectant use. J Vet Intern Med. 2018;32(6):1823-1840.