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Sedative and hypnotic effects of combined administration of metoclopramide and ketamine in chickens

Lab Animal volume 36, pages 35–39 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist used in animals as both an antiemetic and a gastroprokinetic agent. In chickens, the drug causes central nervous system depression. The authors examined the potential sedative and hypnotic effects of metoclopramide when administered in combination with the anesthetic agent ketamine in 1–3-week-old chicks. Concomitant administration of metoclopramide and ketamine markedly reduced the median effective doses (ED50s) of both drugs for the induction of sedation and sleep in the chicks. The results suggest potential therapeutic applications of the metoclopramide-ketamine combination as a restraining agent in avian species not intended for human consumption.

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Figure 1: Isobolographic representation of the interaction of metoclopramide and ketamine at the ED50 level for inducing (a) sedation and (b) sleep in chicks.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Iraq.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, PO Box 11136, Mosul, Iraq

    Fouad K. Mohammad,  Muna H. I. Al-Zubaidy &  Ashraf S. Alias

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  1. Fouad K. Mohammad
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  2. Muna H. I. Al-Zubaidy
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  3. Ashraf S. Alias
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Correspondence to Fouad K. Mohammad.

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Mohammad, F., Al-Zubaidy, M. & Alias, A. Sedative and hypnotic effects of combined administration of metoclopramide and ketamine in chickens. Lab Anim 36, 35–39 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0407-35

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