# Cerenia (Maropitant) for Dogs and Cats
Overview
Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is a prescription antiemetic medication specifically developed for veterinary use to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats. As the first FDA-approved veterinary antiemetic, Cerenia has become a cornerstone treatment for motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and various other conditions that cause vomiting in companion animals.
The active ingredient, maropitant citrate, belongs to a class of drugs known as neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists. This medication works by blocking specific receptors in the brain that trigger the vomiting reflex, providing effective relief from nausea and vomiting episodes.
How It Works
Cerenia functions by selectively blocking neurokinin-1 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain, which is responsible for detecting toxins and triggering the vomiting response. By inhibiting these receptors, maropitant prevents the cascade of signals that lead to nausea and vomiting, regardless of the underlying cause.
The medication's mechanism of action makes it effective against various types of nausea, including motion sickness, drug-induced nausea, and vomiting associated with medical conditions. Unlike some traditional antiemetics that may cause sedation, Cerenia typically does not produce significant drowsiness, allowing pets to remain alert and comfortable.
Uses & Indications
Cerenia is approved for several specific indications in veterinary medicine:
Motion Sickness Prevention: The most common use is preventing vomiting associated with car travel and motion sickness in dogs. The medication can be given before travel to prevent symptoms from occurring.
Acute Vomiting Treatment: Cerenia effectively treats acute vomiting episodes in both dogs and cats, regardless of the underlying cause. This includes vomiting due to dietary indiscretion, gastroenteritis, or other gastrointestinal upset.
Chemotherapy Support: The medication is frequently used as supportive care for pets undergoing cancer treatment, helping to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Post-Operative Care: Veterinarians may prescribe Cerenia to prevent post-surgical nausea and vomiting, particularly after procedures involving anesthesia.
Chronic Conditions: In some cases, Cerenia may be used as part of long-term management for pets with chronic conditions that cause recurring nausea or vomiting.
Dosage Guidelines
Cerenia dosing varies based on the animal species, body weight, and specific indication being treated. The medication is available in both tablet and injectable forms.
Dogs
- Motion Sickness Prevention: 8 mg per kg (3.6 mg per pound) once daily, given at least 2 hours before travel
- Acute Vomiting Treatment: 2 mg per kg (0.9 mg per pound) once daily for up to 5 consecutive days
- Injectable Form: 1 mg per kg subcutaneously once daily
Cats
- Acute Vomiting: 1 mg per kg (0.45 mg per pound) once daily for up to 5 consecutive days
- Injectable Form: 1 mg per kg subcutaneously once daily
Dosing should always be calculated based on the pet's current body weight, and tablets should not be split or crushed. The medication can be given with or without food, though giving with a small amount of food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Administration
Cerenia tablets should be administered whole and not broken, crushed, or chewed. The medication can be given with or without food, though some pets may tolerate it better when given with a small meal.
For motion sickness prevention, timing is crucial. The medication should be given at least 2 hours before travel to allow adequate time for absorption and onset of action. The protective effect typically lasts for approximately 24 hours.
When using injectable Cerenia, the medication should be administered subcutaneously by a veterinary professional. The injection site should be rotated if multiple doses are required.
Pet owners should ensure their animal has access to fresh water at all times during treatment, as preventing vomiting helps maintain proper hydration status.
Side Effects
Cerenia is generally well-tolerated by most dogs and cats, but some side effects may occur.
Common Side Effects
- Mild lethargy or drowsiness
- Decreased appetite
- Drooling (particularly in cats)
- Diarrhea
- Pain or swelling at injection site (injectable form)
Rare Side Effects
- Allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives)
- Tremors or muscle twitching
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Behavioral changes
Severe Side Effects
- Severe allergic reactions requiring immediate veterinary attention
- Persistent vomiting despite treatment
- Signs of liver dysfunction (yellowing of gums or eyes)
- Severe neurological symptoms
Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own. However, any concerning symptoms should be reported to a veterinarian promptly.
Precautions & Warnings
Several important precautions should be observed when using Cerenia:
Age Restrictions: Cerenia tablets are not recommended for puppies under 16 weeks of age or kittens under 16 weeks of age. Injectable forms have different age restrictions and should only be used under veterinary supervision.
Liver Function: Pets with known liver disease should be monitored closely, as maropitant is metabolized by the liver. Dose adjustments may be necessary in animals with hepatic impairment.
Breeding Animals: The safety of Cerenia in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals has not been fully established. Use should be carefully considered and monitored by a veterinarian.
Dehydration: While Cerenia helps prevent vomiting, underlying causes of nausea should be addressed. Severely dehydrated animals may require additional supportive care.
Drug Interactions
Cerenia has relatively few known drug interactions, but some considerations include:
Other Antiemetics: Concurrent use with other anti-nausea medications may increase the risk of side effects and should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian.
Sedatives: While Cerenia itself rarely causes sedation, combining it with sedative medications may enhance drowsiness effects.
Liver-Metabolized Drugs: Medications that are heavily processed by the liver may have altered effectiveness when used concurrently with Cerenia.
Protein-Bound Drugs: Since maropitant is highly protein-bound, it may potentially interact with other highly protein-bound medications.
Storage
Cerenia tablets should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a dry location away from direct sunlight. The medication should be kept in its original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
Injectable Cerenia should be stored according to manufacturer specifications and used within the recommended timeframe after opening. Unused portions of injectable medication should be discarded appropriately.
Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Cerenia start working?
Cerenia typically begins working within 1-2 hours of oral administration. For motion sickness prevention, the medication should be given at least 2 hours before travel for optimal effectiveness.
Can Cerenia be used long-term?
While Cerenia is generally safe for short-term use (up to 5 consecutive days for acute vomiting), long-term use should only be undertaken under veterinary supervision. Some pets may require extended treatment for chronic conditions, but this requires careful monitoring.
What should I do if my pet vomits after taking Cerenia?
If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of giving the tablet, the dose may not have been fully absorbed. Contact your veterinarian for guidance on whether to repeat the dose or consider alternative administration methods.
Can Cerenia be given with food?
Yes, Cerenia can be given with or without food. Some pets may tolerate the medication better when given with a small amount of food, which can help reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Is Cerenia safe for senior pets?
Cerenia can generally be used safely in senior pets, but older animals may be more susceptible to side effects and may require closer monitoring. Pets with age-related organ dysfunction may need dose adjustments or more frequent veterinary check-ups during treatment.