What is maropitant citrate?
Maropitant citrate (brand name Cerenia®) is an antiemetic used to treat vomiting and motion sickness in dogs and cats. It also may act as a mild pain control medication.
Use of the tablets in cats to treat nausea and vomiting is off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
How is maropitant citrate given?
- Maropitant citrate is given by mouth, in the form of a tablet or is injected under the skin as instructed by a veterinary professional.
- To prevent vomiting associated with chemotherapy, administer maropitant citrate before the chemotherapeutic agent.
- To prevent motion sickness, feed your pet a small meal 3 hours before traveling. Then, 1 hour later (2 hours before travel), administer maropitant citrate. Giving this medication with a small meal will help prevent vomiting.
- Be careful not to wrap the pill too tightly in food, as this can prevent the drug from being properly absorbed.
- Be cautious when administering this medication, as topical exposure could cause an allergic reaction in people. Wash with soap and water if this occurs.
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended amount of time between doses. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Maropitant citrate may cause the following side effects:
- vomiting and hypersalivation (at the higher doses required for motion sickness)
- pain or swelling at the site of injection (if using the injectable form)
The following side effects are rare:
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- allergic reactions
- uncoordinated walking
- convulsions
Cats may also experience the following side effects:
- abnormal breathing
- recumbency (laying down and unable to get up)
- vomiting
- panting
- muscle tremors
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Maropitant citrate should NOT BE USED in pets that:
- have ingested toxins
- have a gastrointestinal obstruction
- are under 8 weeks old
Maropitant citrate should be USED WITH CAUTION in:
- pets that have heart or liver disease
- pets that are pregnant or nursing
- puppies under 16 weeks of age, when using the higher dose for motion-sickness, as bone marrow suppression has occurred in these cases.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
The following medications should be used with caution when given with maropitant citrate:
- chloramphenicol
- phenobarbital
- erythromycin
- ketoconazole
- itraconazole
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- No specific monitoring is required while your pet is taking this medication.
- Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.
How do I store maropitant citrate?
- Store maropitant citrate tablets at room temperature away from moisture.
- Keep the tablets in the blister pack until ready to administer. Only remove one dose at a time from the blister pack.
- Store maropitant citrate injectable solution between 20°C and 25°C (68°F-77°F) with excursions between 15°C and 30°C (59°F-86°F) permitted.
- Once the vial has been punctured, store the injectable in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F-46°F) and use within 90 days. Do not freeze.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
