Maropitant Citrate

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Maropitant (Cerenia) is a medication that makes stimulation of the vomit center extremely difficult.  In dogs 16 weeks and older, it is used to prevent vomiting due to motion sickness and to prevent acute vomiting which may be associated with stomach and intestinal problems, infections (in particular from parvovirus), pancreatitis, and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy. This medication is NOT to be used if a foreign body or toxin ingestion is suspected.

How do I give this medication?

Tablets

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If being used for motion sickness, give maropitant tablets 2 hours before traveling with a small amount of food such as deli slices, peanut butter or spreadable cheese. Do not give this medication wrapped in a treat that may cause stomach upset.
• Do not give tablets with fatty foods such as hot dogs, sausages and pill pockets since these may delay the tablet from dissolving and therefore delay the effect of the medication.
• Do not wrap tablets tightly in food or snacks since this may delay dissolution of tablets
• Giving a small meal or snack one hour before giving the tablet will minimize the occurrence of pre-trip vomiting.
• Tablets for prevention of vomiting can be used for up to 2 consecutive days.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
• DO NOT give this medication if your dog is pregnant, to female dogs nursing their young, dogs with stomach or intestinal obstruction and dogs that have ingested undetermined poisons.

• Use with caution if your dog has liver problems.

Injection

• The injection may be administered subcutaneously (in the fat layer under the skin) once daily.

• If longer treatment is necessary, a 48 hour period without medication is necessary.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine at controlled room temperature (20 to 25⁰C, or 70 to 80⁰f) with excursions between 15 to 30⁰C or 60 to 90⁰F. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Use injection within 90 days of first vial puncture.

• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places.

Potential Side Effects

• Maropitant citrate is well tolerated in dogs.
• Side effects are uncommon with the use of this medication. The most common effects seen after administration of tablets include drooling, diarrhea, loss of appetite and drowsiness. If these symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
• After injection, swelling or pain at the injection site may occur.

• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible Drug Interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Use maropitant with caution when combining with other drugs that are highly protein-bound such as phenobarbital, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and thyroid hormone supplements.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.