What routes can Metoclopramide be administered by?

Available routes: PO, SC, IM, IV.

Is Metoclopramide a controlled substance?

Metoclopramide is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

What is the constant rate infusion (CRI) dose for Metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide has 2 CRI dose rules in the ExoticRx formulary, covering Dog (Domestic), Cat (Domestic). See the CRI section on this page for routes, dose ranges, and source citations.

Metoclopramide

US brand names:Reglan

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Metoclopramide is dosed at 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12-24h in bearded dragons, per BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed. (2020), Part B - Exotic Pets, Metoclopramide, printed p.201 (corpus p.215): 'Reptiles: 0.05-1 mg/kg p.o., i.m. q24h. Higher doses may be needed in Desert tortoises.'. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Gastrointestinal

Routes

POSCIMIV

Indications

Acute vomitingCRICrop stasisGastric refluxgastroparesisGI motility enhancerGI stasis GI stasis (prokinetic)NauseaParacloacal gland carcinomapost-operative ileusProkineticProkinetic post-procedureregurgitationSevere GI stasis (CRI)Severe vomitingSevere vomiting (CRI)vomiting

Mechanism of Action

Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. Increases GI motility (prokinetic) and acts centrally as an antiemetic at the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Side effects & warnings

May cause extrapyramidal signs (restlessness, tremors). Contraindicated with GI obstruction or perforation. Avoid concurrent use with phenothiazines.

Species with Metoclopramide dosing data (21 dose rules)

African Grey Parrot Bearded Dragon Cat (Domestic)Chinchilla Dog (Domestic)Ferret Guinea Pig Horse (Equine)Rabbit (Domestic)Sugar Glider

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugs All Bearded Dragon drugs All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Chinchilla drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 21 dose rules

Strong×4Moderate×9Extrapolated×6Weak×1Anecdotal×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 15 published sources

· BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed. (2020), Part B - Exotic Pets, Metoclopramide, printed p.201 (corpus p.215): 'Reptiles: 0.05-1 mg/kg p.o., i.m. q24h. Higher doses may be needed in Desert tortoises.'
· EMEPRID 1 Mg/ML Oral Solution for Dogs and Cats [UK Datasheet]. Ceva Animal Health Ltd; 2015. / 36. EMEPRID 5 Mg/ML Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats [UK Datasheet]. Ceva Animal Health Ltd; 2021. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.896 (2026-08-01).
· ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide); Carpenter 6e | Corroborated 2026-07-30: Tamura Y. J Exot Pet Med 2010;19:36-55. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2010.01.014 PMID:32288672 — chinchilla, 0.5 mg/kg q12h SC.
· Husnik R, Fletcher JM, Gaschen L, Gaschen F. Effect of metoclopramide, erythromycin and exenatide on solid phase gastric emptying in healthy cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34(4):1440-1446. doi:10.1111/jvim.15787 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.896 (2026-08-01).

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

Metoclopramide CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.

Species	Route	Rate	Indication	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	0.01–0.02 mg/kgper hour (CRI)	Severe vomiting, CRI for persistent nausea	Strong	Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual, Prokinetic Drugs table (0.01-0.02 mg/kg/h IV infusion) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/prokinetic-drugs \| Higher published regimens: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 9th Ed (1-2 mg/kg/day); Today's Veterinary Practice, Management of GI Hypomotility in the Hospitalized Patient (0.5 mg/kg bolus then 2-8 mg/kg/day)
Cat (Domestic)	IV	0.01–0.02 mg/kgper hour (CRI)	Severe vomiting (CRI)	Moderate	Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual, Prokinetic Drugs table (0.01-0.02 mg/kg/h IV infusion, dogs and cats) \| Higher published regimens: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 9th Ed; Today's Veterinary Practice, Management of GI Hypomotility in the Hospitalized Patient

Sample dosing (2 of 21 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 10 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	0.01–0.02 mg/kg	per hour (CRI)	Strong	Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual, Prokinetic Drugs table (0.01-0.02 mg/kg/h IV infusion) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/prokinetic-drugs \| Higher published regimens: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 9th Ed (1-2 mg/kg/day); Today's Veterinary Practice, Management of GI Hypomotility in the Hospitalized Patient (0.5 mg/kg bolus then 2-8 mg/kg/day)
Cat (Domestic)	IV	0.01–0.02 mg/kg	per hour (CRI)	Moderate	Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual, Prokinetic Drugs table (0.01-0.02 mg/kg/h IV infusion, dogs and cats) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/prokinetic-drugs \| Higher published regimens: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 9th Ed; Today's Veterinary Practice, Management of GI Hypomotility in the Hospitalized Patient

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