Maropitant
Also known as: Cerenia, Prevomax, Vetemex
> **Important Administration Note**: Tablets should **not** be tightly wrapped or embedded in food/snacks (like pill pockets or cheese) as this may delay the dissolution and absorption of the tablet. * **Fasting**: Avoid prolonged fasting before administration of tablets. * **Motion Sickness**: To minimize the occurrence of pre-trip vomiting caused by the medication itself, feed your pet a small meal or snack **one hour before** administering the motion sickness dose. * **Injection Site**: If your pet received a subcutaneous injection, mild swelling or pain at the injection site may occur. *(Clinical pearl: Veterinarians often refrigerate the injectable solution, which significantly reduces stinging upon injection).*
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an antiemetic
- As an antiemetic
- Treatment of vomiting
- Prevention of acute vomiting
- Prevention of acute vomiting
- Treatment of acute vomiting
- Prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness
- Treatment and prevention of vomiting (including chemotherapy)
- Motion sickness
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pre-travel vomiting (especially at higher motion sickness doses)
- Hypersalivation
- Pain or swelling at the subcutaneous injection site
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Localized injection site reactions (cats)
- Transient pain reaction during injection (very common, especially in cats)
- Haemolysis (at very high doses in cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Puppies less than 11 weeks old (due to risk of bone marrow hypoplasia)
- Suspected gastrointestinal obstruction
- Suspected gastrointestinal perforation
- Use for longer than 48 hours without a definitive diagnosis
- Use with caution in dogs with hepatic dysfunction as maropitant is hepatically metabolized. Use with caution in puppies less than 11 weeks old due to a higher frequency and severity of bone marrow hypoplasia. The safe use of maropitant has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs; use only following a benefit/risk assessment.
Drug interactions
- Highly protein-bound medications: Use with caution; maropitant is highly protein-bound (99.5%) and could theoretically compete for binding sites, though clinical significance is undetermined.
- Calcium-channel antagonists: Maropitant has an affinity for calcium-channels; concurrent use should be avoided.
- Highly protein-bound drugs: Maropitant is highly bound to plasma proteins and may compete with other highly bound drugs, potentially altering free drug concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Maropitant used for in pets?
> **Important Administration Note**: Tablets should **not** be tightly wrapped or embedded in food/snacks (like pill pockets or cheese) as this may delay the dissolution and absorption of the tablet. * **Fasting**: Avoid prolonged fasting before administration of tablets. * **Motion Sickness**: To minimize the occurrence of pre-trip vomiting caused by the medication itself, feed your pet a small meal or snack **one hour before** administering the motion sickness dose. * **Injection Site**: If your pet received a subcutaneous injection, mild swelling or pain at the injection site may occur. *(Clinical pearl: Veterinarians often refrigerate the injectable solution, which significantly reduces stinging upon injection).*
Is Maropitant safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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