Target species
Dogs and cats.
Indications for use
Symptomatic treatment of vomiting and reduced gastrointestinal motility associated with gastritis, pyloric spasm, chronic nephritis and digestive intolerance to some drugs.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of gastrointestinal perforation or obstruction.
Special precautions for use in animals
The dosage must be adapted in animals with renal or hepatic insufficiency (due to an increase in the risk of side effects).
Avoid administration to animals with epilepsy. The dosage should be carefully observed, especially in cats and small breed dogs.
Following prolonged vomiting, consideration should be given to fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Wash hands after administration to the animal.
In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
In case of accidental exposure by spillage onto the skin or eyes, wash immediately with abundant water. If an adverse effect occurs, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Adverse reactions
In some very rare cases (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals, including isolated reports), extrapyramidal effects (agitation, ataxia, abnormal positions and/or movements, prostration, tremors and aggression, vocalisation) have been observed after treatment of dogs and cats. The observed effects are transient and disappear when treatment is stopped. In very rare cases, allergic reactions may occur.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Laboratory studies in laboratory animals have not produced any evidence of teratogenic of foetotoxic effects. However, studies in laboratory animals are limited and the safety of the active substance has not been evaluated in the target species. The use of the product during pregnancy and lactation must be made according to the benefit/risk assessment carried out by the veterinarian.
Interactions
In cases of gastritis, avoid the co-administration of anticholinergic drugs (atropine) as they may counteract the effects of metoclopramide on gastrointestinal motility.
In cases of simultaneous diarrhoea, there is no contraindication to the use of anticholinergic drugs.
Concurrent use of metoclopramide with neuroleptics derived from phenothiazine (acepromazine) and butyrophenones increases the risk of extrapyramidal effects (see Adverse reactions).
Metoclopramide can potentiate the action of central nervous system depressants. If used concurrently, it is advised to use the lowest dosage of metoclopramide to avoid excessive sedation.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Intramuscular or subcutaneous use: 0.5 mg metoclopramide hydrochloride per kg body weight, if necessary repeated every 6-8 hours.
Overdose
Most of the clinical signs reported after an overdose are well known extrapyramidal side effects (see Adverse reactions). In the absence of a specific antidote, it is recommended to offer a calm environment to the animal until the extrapyramidal side effects disappear. Metoclopramide being rapidly metabolised and eliminated, side effects generally disappear quickly.