Maropitant (Cerenia)

Maropitant
Cerenia
(Anti-nausea, motion sickness, anti-inflammatory)
By Dr. Karen Burgess 

cerenia, nausea, vomiting, grass eating

Brand name and formulations

  • Cerenia
  • Tablets and Injectable

What is Cerenia used for?
Cerenia is labeled for the treatment and prevention of vomiting and motion sickness.  Recently Cerenia has also been found to be effective in treating a variety of inflammatory diseases and in the management of pain.

What is Cerenia?
Cerenia works in the brain by blocking Substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in vomiting.  It also has some effect on small intestine contractions and inflammation peripherally.

How is Cerenia given and what if a dose is missed?
Cerenia is typically prescribed for once daily dosing.  If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours late, go ahead and give missed dose.  If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip a dose and resume regular schedule with next dose.  After use for five days a two day rest period is required before redosing Cerenia.  While giving with a small amount of food is recommended, avoid giving with treats that are fatty as this may affect efficacy.  Cerenia works on average within one hour of administration.

Are there any common adverse effects with the use of Cerenia?
Drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and sedation may be seen at higher doses.   Pain at site of injection is seen in some patients.

Who should not take Cerenia?
Caution should be used in patients with liver disease or puppies younger than 11 weeks of age.

What drugs should not be given with Cerenia?
Side effects may be more common when used in conjunction with phenobarbital, thyroid hormone, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

What follow up is necessary with Cerenia use?
No specific follow up is necessary with the use of Cerenia.

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