Maropitant(Maropitant) - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Maropitant for dogs and cats is an antiemetic medicine used to control vomiting and nausea. Cerenia is a brand of maropitant citrate, which works by blocking neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors involved in the vomiting reflex.

Vets may use maropitant when vomiting is associated with conditions such as gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, medication-related nausea or other illnesses. However, controlling vomiting does not treat its underlying cause, so the pet should still be examined when vomiting is persistent or severe.

Cerenia works by blocking NK-1 receptors and preventing the action of substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in triggering vomiting in the brain's vomiting centre.

Because substance P participates in several pathways that trigger vomiting, maropitant can help control vomiting caused by different stimuli. It can also be used before travel to reduce motion sickness in dogs when prescribed at the appropriate dose.

In cats, maropitant works through the same NK-1 receptor pathway to reduce vomiting and nausea.

Vets may use it as part of supportive treatment for feline gastrointestinal disease and other vomiting-related conditions. The underlying cause still needs to be assessed because suppressing vomiting alone does not correct problems such as intestinal obstruction, toxin exposure or severe systemic disease.

Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate) dosage for dogs depends on the indication. For acute vomiting, Cerenia is typically given once daily by injection or orally. For motion sickness, administer the tablet orally before travel. When given orally, maropitant citrate should be given with a small amount of food to reduce the risk of vomiting at dosing. Your vet will determine the correct dose, route, and duration based on your dog's weight and clinical condition.

Side effects from Cerenia are generally mild and uncommon at recommended doses.

Possible side effects in dogs include:

Lethargy or sedation, particularly after injectable use

Hypersalivation at the time of injection

Mild pain or vocalisation at the injection site

Reduced appetite

Rare hypersensitivity reactions

Lethargy after Cerenia injection is generally short-lived and resolves within several hours.

Cats may experience injection-site pain, lethargy, and mild hypersalivation after Cerenia administration. The injectable solution causes more discomfort when cold. Allowing the solution to reach room temperature before injection significantly reduces this reaction. Persistent sedation or significant behaviour changes after dosing warrant an expert feline vet checkup.

Accidental overdose of Cerenia in dogs may cause marked sedation, ataxia (loss of coordination), and cardiovascular changes including reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Seek immediate veterinary attention if overdose is suspected. Do not wait for signs to worsen before contacting your vet.

Cats may show significant sedation, poor coordination, slow heart rate, and respiratory changes after a Cerenia overdose. Due to smaller cardiovascular reserve, cats deteriorate more quickly than dogs in overdose situations. Seek emergency veterinary care at the nearest cat clinic if accidental overdose occurs in a cat, particularly in kittens or cats with pre-existing cardiac disease.

Store Cerenia tablets at room temperature away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store injectable vials according to the specific product instructions, typically refrigerated and protected from light. Once opened, multi-dose vials have a defined use-by period; discard unused portions as instructed. Keep all formulations out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiry date.

Contact your vet if vomiting persists or worsens despite Cerenia treatment, if your pet develops blood in the vomit or stool, significant lethargy, collapse, pale gums, or abdominal pain. These signs suggest the underlying cause of vomiting requires further investigation beyond antiemetic management. Cerenia controls vomiting but does not treat the underlying disease. Persistent vomiting without a confirmed diagnosis requires diagnostic workup, not ongoing antiemetic escalation.

Maropitant is a commonly used veterinary antiemetic. The correct dose, route and duration depend on the pet's age, body weight, health and underlying cause of vomiting. Pet parents should not give Cerenia without veterinary advice, particularly to puppies, kittens or pets with persistent vomiting.

Brooks, W. (2024). Maropitant citrate (cerenia). In VIN. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=154455&id=4952775

Claussen, K. (2024). Maropitant for dogs and cats. In WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/pet-meds/maropitant-cats-dogs

Coile, C. (2017). Cerenia (Maropitant) for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives. In American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cerenia-for-dogs/