Cerenia, with the active ingredient maropitant, is a crucial medication for canine health, primarily recognized for its efficacy in preventing and treating vomiting. Approved by the FDA, it targets various causes of nausea and emesis in dogs, from motion sickness to side effects of chemotherapy. This guide will delve into how Cerenia works, its administration, potential side effects, and important considerations for pet owners, drawing upon veterinary professional insights to ensure accurate and reliable information.
What is Cerenia and How Does it Work?
Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is an FDA-approved medication designed to combat vomiting in dogs. Its primary mechanism of action involves targeting the brain’s vomiting center, also known as the emetic center, rather than directly affecting the stomach. This targeted approach makes it a potent antiemetic, effective against a wide array of vomiting triggers.
The medication is available in both injectable and oral tablet forms. While both injectable Cerenia and generic injectable Emeprev are approved for use in dogs and cats for vomiting relief, the tablet form is currently FDA-approved for dogs only. Veterinarians may, however, prescribe the tablets for off-label use in cats if deemed appropriate for the patient’s condition.
In situations where standard formulations are not suitable, veterinarians might recommend a compounded formulation of maropitant. This option is particularly useful for pets with difficulty swallowing pills, those requiring specific dosage strengths not commercially available, or those allergic to ingredients in FDA-approved medications. It’s important to note that compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are custom-made by pharmacists or veterinarians to meet individual patient needs.
Key Considerations Before Administering Cerenia
While Cerenia is a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, certain precautions are necessary:
- Age Restrictions: Cerenia should not be administered to puppies younger than 2 months for acute vomiting treatment or younger than 4 months for motion sickness prevention.
- Liver Disease: Caution is advised when using Cerenia in dogs with pre-existing liver conditions.
- Toxin Ingestion and Obstruction: The safety of injectable Cerenia has not been established for dogs ingesting toxins or experiencing gastrointestinal obstructions.
- Reproductive Status: Similarly, its safety has not been tested in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs.
- Drug Interactions: It is crucial to inform your veterinarian about all medications, vitamins, and supplements your dog is taking to prevent potential adverse interactions.
Administering Cerenia to Your Dog
The administration of Cerenia depends on the intended use:
- Motion Sickness Prevention: For dogs four months and older, oral Cerenia should be given with a small amount of food at least two hours before traveling to achieve maximum efficacy.
- Other Vomiting Treatments: Follow the specific dosage and administration instructions provided on the drug label or by your veterinarian.
If your pet vomits while on Cerenia, contact your veterinarian.
What to Do If a Dose is Missed
If you forget to administer a dose of Cerenia, consult your veterinarian. They will likely advise you to give the dose as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is imminent, your veterinarian may instruct you to skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule, generally advising against double doses.
Potential Side Effects and Overdose Information
While Cerenia is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
- Common Side Effects: Though rare, direct side effects can include decreased energy levels (lethargy), loss of appetite (anorexia), drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of balance (ataxia), and trembling.
- Vomiting Despite Treatment: If vomiting persists, seek veterinary attention promptly to rule out more serious underlying conditions.
- Overdose Symptoms: Signs of an overdose may include weight loss, vomiting, soft stools, weakness, lethargy, excessive drooling, decreased heart rate, and changes in electrolyte levels or white blood cell counts. If an overdose is suspected, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
Human Safety
Cerenia is a prescription veterinary medication and is not intended for human use. Accidental ingestion by humans requires immediate medical attention or contacting the national Poison Control Center. Skin contact may cause localized reactions, and eye contact can cause irritation; therefore, it’s important to wash hands thoroughly after administration and flush eyes with water if accidental exposure occurs.
Storage and FAQs
- Storage: Cerenia tablets should be stored at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C), with brief exposure to temperatures between 59–86°F (15–30°C) being acceptable. Keep tablets in their original packaging to protect them from moisture and light. Always confirm storage requirements with the prescription label.
- Efficacy Timeline: For motion sickness prevention in dogs over 4 months old, Cerenia typically reaches maximum effectiveness about two hours after ingestion.
- Appetite: Most dogs maintain a normal appetite while on Cerenia, though loss of appetite is a possible side effect.
- Overall Safety: Cerenia is considered safe for dogs when used under the specific conditions and direct supervision of a veterinarian.
- Treatment Scope: Cerenia is effective in preventing and treating vomiting associated with motion sickness and addresses acute vomiting and nausea from various causes, including chemotherapy.
All content is sourced from publicly available information and manufacturer data.
