Overview of Maropitant Citrate for Canines and Felines

Maropitant citrate, commonly known by the brand name Cerenia®, is a drug marketed to treat acute vomiting in dogs and cats.  It is available in both oral pills and an injectable versions. 

Maropitant citrate is a neurokinin (NK1) receptor antagonist that blocks the action of a substance P in the central nervous system. Substance P is a neurotransmitter involved in vomiting and therefore when Maropitant citrate blocks substance P, it works to prevent vomiting.

Maropitant citrate is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Maropitant citrate is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names of Maropitant Citrate

This drug is registered and approved for use in dogs and cats.

Veterinary formulations: Cerenia® (Pfizer Animal Health)

Uses of Maropitant Citrate (Cerenia) for Dogs and Cats

Maropitant citrate is used to treat vomiting and prevent vomiting associated with motion sickness in dogs.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, maropitant citrate can cause side effects in some animals.

Maropitant citrate should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

This drug should be used with caution in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal obstruction, toxin ingestion, or liver disease.

Injectable maropitant citrate when used for acute vomiting should be used on dogs 8 weeks and older and in cats 16 weeks and older.  

Oral maropitant citrate (when used for acute vomiting) should be used on dogs 8 weeks older. When used for motion sickness should be used on dogs 4 months and older. Oral maropitant citrate can be used in cats over 16 weeks and older for either vomiting or motion sickness. 

Maropitant citrate has not been evaluated and is therefore not recommended in breeding, pregnant or lactating bitches.

Maropitant citrate may interact with other medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), cardiac drugs, seizure medications and other behavioral drugs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with Maropitant citrate.

Hypersalivation, drowsiness, lethargy, anorexia and diarrhea are possible side effects from Maropitant citrate.

How Maropitant Citrate (Cerenia) is Supplied

Maropitant citrate is available in both injectable solutions and tablets for oral use.

Maropitant citrate injectable solution is available in 20 mL amber glass vials, each ml contains 10 mg Maropitant citrate.

Maropitant citrate is also available in 15, 24, 60 and 160 mg peach colored scored tablets.

Dosing Information of Maropitant Citrate for Dogs and Cats

This medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. 

The injectable formulation (subcutaneous use only) is used to treat acute vomiting in dogs and cats at a dose of 0.45 mg per pound (1.0 mg/kg) once daily.

In dogs, the oral formulation is used to treat vomiting in dogs and is dosed at approximately 0.9 mg per pound (2 mg/kg) orally once daily. To treat motion sickness in dogs, Maropitant citrate is dosed at approximately 3.6 mg per pound (8 mg/kg) once daily for up to 2 consecutive days. It is recommended that dogs be fasted for 1 hour prior to travel. 

In cats, the oral formulation is used to treat vomiting and motion sickness. Cerenia is dosed at approximately 0.5 mg per pound (1 mg/kg) orally once daily. 

The initial approval and label of Cerenia was for up to 5 days of use for acute vomiting but was changed in August 2015 to “for use as long as needed” in dogs 7 months and older. Safety in cats has not been established for long term use. 

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.