Maropitant
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Maropitant during a consultation by Dr Noor. Maropitant for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace the medical guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine is used to help stop nausea (feeling sick to the stomach) and vomiting.
Other common names
- Cerenia
Uses
Uses approved for animals – Maropitant for pets
- For dogs: to help prevent vomiting and to treat vomiting.
- For dogs: to help prevent vomiting caused by motion sickness.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use):
Your veterinarian may decide to use this medicine in other animal species or for other purposes, such as:
- For dogs: to treat coughing.
- For cats: to treat vomiting and to help prevent vomiting.
- For cats: to treat allergic skin problems.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your animal is currently taking.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had in the past.
- Any bad reactions or side effects your animal has had from medicines before.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Animals that have an allergy to this medicine.
Use with caution:
- For motion sickness in dogs younger than 11 weeks.
- In animals that have eaten poisonous or harmful substances.
- In animals that may have a blockage in the stomach or intestines.
- In animals with heart disease or liver disease.
- In animals with unusual heartbeats (abnormal heart rhythm).
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- This medicine may irritate the skin. Wash your hands after you handle it.
- If it gets into the eyes by accident, rinse the eyes with water for 15 minutes and get medical help.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
- This medicine can be given with food or without food. If you give a small amount of food with it, that may reduce stomach upset.
- If you are giving maropitant to help prevent vomiting before a planned event, give it about 2 hours before the event, along with a small amount of food.
- Do not press the tablets tightly inside food. If the tablet is wrapped too tightly, the medicine may not work properly.
Side effects
Side effects do not happen often. Possible side effects include:
- Low energy.
- Eating less than usual.
- Vomiting.
- Drooling.
- Diarrhea.
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Decreased appetite.
- Drooling.
- Lack of energy.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Muscle shaking (tremors) or seizures.
- Skin rash, trouble breathing, pale gums, or swelling of the face or head. These can be signs of an allergic reaction.
How will I know it’s working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 hours.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the last dose, this medicine should stop working within 24 hours.
If your animal’s liver does not work as well, the effects may last longer.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods depending on the situation. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give an extra dose.
Storage
- Keep the tablets inside the sealed blister packaging until you are ready to use them.
- Store at room temperature.
- The tablets can be damaged by moisture.
- If you were told to split tablets, cover the remaining half tightly with the blister pack foil to help keep moisture out.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink. This medicine is very harmful to aquatic life.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back sites: This is the best option when available. To locate a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”