Cerenia For Dogs: 4 Uses, Benefits, Risks & Alternatives
An FDA-approved formula that stops nausea signals to help pets stay comfortable.
Cerenia for Dogs: Understanding Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Vomiting and nausea in dogs can be distressing for both the animal and its owner. Cerenia (maropitant citrate) has established itself as a leading veterinary medication for preventing and treating vomiting in dogs. This guide offers a thorough exploration of Cerenia, from its mechanism of action and clinical applications to safety information, possible side effects, dosage recommendations, and alternative approaches for managing canine gastrointestinal upset.
What is Cerenia?
Cerenia is the brand name for maropitant citrate, a medication approved by the FDA for use in dogs and cats to treat and prevent vomiting and nausea. Uniquely, Cerenia was developed specifically for dogs rather than being adapted from human drugs. It is available by prescription only from veterinarians and comes in two formulations: oral tablets and injectable solutions.
- Active Ingredient: Maropitant citrate
- Formulations: Oral tablets (16mg, 24mg, 60mg, and 160mg); Injectable liquid
- Prescription Status: Veterinary prescription required
How Does Cerenia Work?
Cereniaâs mechanism of action centers on blocking a key chemical in the central nervous system called substance P. This chemical binds to neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors, triggering vomiting. By blocking substance P at these receptors, Cerenia effectively stops the signal regardless of the underlying cause of vomiting.
- Blocks substance P in the central nervous system
- NK1 receptor antagonistâprevents vomiting cascade
- Effective in vomiting due to motion sickness, illness, toxins, and side effects of medications
Uses and Indications for Cerenia in Dogs
Cerenia is widely used in veterinary medicine because it acts quickly and is versatile in treating various types of vomiting and nausea.
| Indication | Formulation | Recommended Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute vomiting | Tablets or Injectable | Dogs 2 months and older | Tablets for home; injectable in clinic |
| Motion sickness | Tablets | Dogs 4 months and older | Give 2 hours before travel |
| Chronic vomiting (e.g., cancer, kidney disease) | Tablets or Injectable | Dogs 2 months and older | Consult vet for long-term use |
- Cerenia is the drug of choice for motion sickness in dogs.
- It is prescribed proactively to prevent vomiting and also reactively to stop vomiting once started.
- Veterinarians may prefer Cerenia over other anti-emetics that were developed for humans first.
Special Notes on Administration
- The injectable form should be given only to puppies older than 8 weeks. Puppies 2â4 months old should get subcutaneous injections, while dogs older than 4 months may receive IV or subcutaneous doses.
- The injectable may cause stinging; refrigerating the drug before injection can reduce discomfort.
- In dogs suspected of gastrointestinal obstruction or foreign body ingestion, anti-vomiting therapy should be used cautiously while diagnostic testing continues.
Dosing and Administration
The dose of Cerenia depends on the dogâs weight and indication. Follow your veterinarianâs instructions strictly.
- Acute vomiting: Dose typically 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) orally once daily.
- Motion sickness: Dose and schedule adjusted by dogâs weight and travel time; tablets given at least 2 hours before journey with a small amount of food.
What others are reading
Tablets are suitable for home use, and injectable Cerenia is administered in clinic settings. The pill may cause vomiting if taken on an empty stomach; giving with a small amount of non-fatty food is recommended.
Tips for Giving Cerenia at Home
- Give on an empty stomach or with a small amount of bland food (avoid fatty wrappers like cheese/meat).
- Best to administer one hour before a large meal for optimal effect.
- For motion sickness prevention, give 2 hours prior to travel.
Cereniaâs Effectiveness
Cerenia acts rapidly and is effective for most cases of vomiting and nausea in dogs. Its effect lasts about 24 hours per dose. It is called a âbig gunâ medication, reaching both acute (sudden) and chronic (ongoing) cases where other strategies fail.
- Works for vomiting due to illness, post-surgical effects, toxins, or travel
- Often prescribed for dogs undergoing chemotherapy or suffering side effects from other medications
- Non-drowsy formula: Unlike some anti-emetics, Cerenia does not typically cause sedation or drowsiness
Side Effects and Safety Information
Cerenia is generally safe and well-tolerated, but like any medication, it may cause adverse reactions in some dogs.
- Common Side Effects:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Depression or lethargy (seen in fewer than 5% of dogs)
- Hypersalivation (excess drooling)
- Vomiting (immediately after administration, especially if given on empty stomach)
- Diarrhea
- Rare Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions (usually resolve after stopping medication)
- Injection site pain or swelling, especially if not refrigerated before injection
Report any side effects to your veterinarian. In most cases, side effects are mild and transient.
Precautions and Interactions
- Use caution in dogs with hepatic (liver) dysfunction
- Not evaluated in dogs with gastrointestinal obstructions or those who ingested toxins
- Drug interactions can occur; be cautious if the dog is also taking chloramphenicol, phenobarbital, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, or NSAIDs
- Humans may experience localized allergic reactions after touching Cerenia (wash hands thoroughly after handling tablets or injections)
How Long Can Cerenia Be Used?
Cerenia was initially approved for up to 5 days in dogs, but in 2015, guidelines changed to allow use âas long as neededâ for dogs over 7 months old. The duration depends on the condition treated, response to therapy, and veterinarian recommendations. Always complete the prescribed course unless directed otherwise.
Is Cerenia Safe for All Dogs?
- Safe for dogs 2 months and older for acute vomiting (tablet form)
- Safe for dogs 4 months and older for motion sickness prevention
- Injectable form: Do not use in puppies under 8 weeks
Not recommended for use in cats for long-term treatment as safety has not been established.
Cerenia vs. Other Anti-vomiting Medications
| Medication | Mechanism | Common Side Effects | Dog-Appropriate? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerenia (maropitant) | NK1 receptor antagonist | Rare lethargy, anorexia, drooling | Developed for dogs |
| Ondansetron | Serotonin receptor antagonist | Constipation, headache | Human drug, adapted for dogs |
| Metoclopramide | Dopamine receptor antagonist | Sedation, diarrhea, restlessness | Human drug, adapted for dogs |
| Natural (ginger, bland diet) | Unknown / multiple mechanisms | Rare intolerance | Alternative option |
Alternatives to Cerenia for Dogs
While Cerenia is highly effective, other strategies may be triedâespecially for mild cases or when Cerenia is not suitable.
- Bland diet: Small amounts of boiled chicken and rice
- Natural remedies: Ginger (in appropriate dose), slippery elm, certain supplements
- Other prescription drugs: Ondansetron, metoclopramide (each with their own risk-profile)
- Home management: Rest and gradual reintroduction of food after vomiting stops
Consult your veterinarian before attempting any alternative treatment.
Important Safety Reminders
- Never self-prescribe or guess dosesâonly use Cerenia on veterinary recommendation
- Report any signs of adverse reaction immediately
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets not intended for treatment
- Never use Cerenia in dogs with suspected gastrointestinal obstruction until diagnostic tests are completed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Cerenia used for in dogs?
A: Cerenia is prescribed for acute or chronic vomiting, nausea, and to prevent motion sickness in dogs.
Q: Is Cerenia safe for long-term use?
A: In dogs over 7 months old, Cerenia may be safely used as long as necessary, under vet supervision.
Q: Does Cerenia make dogs sleepy?
A: Cerenia is non-drowsy and generally does not make dogs sleepy. Rarely, lethargy may occur.
Q: Can I give Cerenia with food?
A: Yes, Cerenia can be given with a small amount of food (avoid fatty foods); this can prevent vomiting immediately after the pill is given.
Q: What precautions should I take when handling Cerenia?
A: Wash hands immediately after handling Cerenia as it can cause localized allergic reactions in humans. Refrigeration is advised for injectable form to minimize discomfort.
Q: What should I do if my dog vomits after taking Cerenia?
A: Contact your veterinarian for guidance. Giving the next dose with a small amount of food may help.
Q: How quickly does Cerenia work?
A: Cerenia begins to take effect quickly, typically within hours, and lasts around 24 hours per dose.
Conclusion
Cerenia stands as the first-choice medication for canine vomiting and nausea, offering rapid, reliable relief in both acute and chronic cases, including motion sickness. Proper veterinary supervision, adherence to dosing instructions, and awareness of side effects are critical to safe use. Consult your veterinarian for the best approach to treating your dogâs gastrointestinal issues.
References
- https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/cerenia-for-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cerenia-for-dogs/
- https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/cerenia
- https://www.dogcancerblog.com/articles/full-spectrum-cancer-care/conventional/managing-side-effects-from-conventional-treatments/cerenia-an-option-for-dogs-with-vomiting/
- https://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/maropitant-citrate-cerenia-for-dogs-and-cats
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