Results

GoodRx Holdings Inc.

09/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/06/2024 10:14

Cerenia for Dogs: A Medication for Preventing Nausea and Vomiting

Key takeaways:

  • Cerenia (maropitant citrate) for dogs is a fast-acting, nondrowsy, prescription-only medication that is used to stop or prevent nausea and vomiting. It comes in pill and injectable forms.

  • Cerenia works by reducing the feeling of nausea via a dog's central nervous system. It works quickly to address symptoms, but it does not treat or resolve underlying gut problems.

  • While Cerenia is safe for most dogs, it is not appropriate for all cases of vomiting. And it should always be given under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Access savings on related medications

info_outlinedPromotional disclosure
SbytovaMN/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Stomach issues are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian. And there are many conditions that can cause nausea and vomiting in dogs, including motion sickness from car rides.

Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is a fast-acting medication that can be safely used to reduce nausea and vomiting in many dogs. Here, we cover what you should know about Cerenia for dogs, including its uses, side effects, and more.

Cerenia for dogs at a glance

Common names

Cerenia (maropitant citrate)

What it treats

Nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness

How it comes (forms)

Injection, tablets

Common side effects

Loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea

Average cost

$21 for 4 tablets

What is Cerenia for dogs and how does it work?

Cerenia is an FDA-approved medication used to treat nausea and prevent motion sickness in dogs. Cerenia reduces nausea and vomiting by working on the central nervous system (not the gastrointestinal system). It blocks brain signals that cause nausea.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

Cerenia's active ingredient is maropitant citrate, a medication that blocks substance P - a chemical messenger in the nervous system that is involved in nausea and vomiting. By blocking this chemical messenger, Cerenia prevents nausea and, subsequently, the action of vomiting.

What is Cerenia used for in dogs?

Cerenia can be used to stop or prevent acute nausea and vomiting in dogs with stomach problems. Cerenia is also prescribed to prevent motion sickness in dogs. It is a safe, effective, and nondrowsy anti-nausea treatment that can be given to most dogs for motion sickness.

Cerenia can be used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by a variety of issues, including:

  • Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gut)

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation and infection of the pancreas)

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Intestinal infections

  • Cancer and chemotherapy side effects

  • Anesthesia side effects

  • Adverse medication reactions

  • Kidney disease

  • Vestibular disease

Cerenia has also been shown to be an effective cough suppressant. It may also be effective at reducing nausea related to gastrointestinal pain.

How is Cerenia given to dogs and what is the typical dosage?

Cerenia for dogs comes in two forms: an injection and tablets. The typical Cerenia dosage for dogs is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight for injectable Cerenia, or 2 mg per kilogram of body weight for the tablets, every 24 hours.

The injectable form of Cerenia can either be given as an injection under the skin or as an intravenous injection directly into the bloodstream. Injectable Cerenia works within minutes.

Cerenia tablets are packaged in blister packs containing 4 tablets. The tablets come in 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg, and 160 mg doses.

Oral Cerenia can take 1 to 2 hours to take effect. Dogs should be given oral Cerenia 2 hours before car rides to prevent motion sickness. The medication should be given with a small amount of food. But it's recommended to avoid feeding dogs full meals before travel.

In dogs with healthy livers, Cerenia is effective at blocking nausea and vomiting for about 24 hours. The medication should not be given to dogs to prevent motion sickness for more than 2 days in a row. If your dog needs additional nausea control, talk to your veterinarian.

What are the common side effects of Cerenia in dogs?

In general, Cerenia is very well tolerated by most dogs and rarely causes side effects. The most common adverse reactions in dogs include:

With injectable Cerenia, pain and swelling at the injection site - as well as anaphylaxis, a rare serious allergic reaction - have been reported in some dogs.

What are the most serious risks of Cerenia for dogs?

While Cerenia is generally safe for most dogs, it should always be given under the supervision of a veterinarian because of the risk of overdose. Also, be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label.

In addition, Cerenia may not be appropriate for:

  • Dogs that are younger than 8 weeks old

  • Dogs that are pregnant or nursing

  • Dogs that could have an intestinal obstruction

  • Dogs that could have ingested poisons or toxins

  • Dogs with liver disease

Does Cerenia interact with any other dog medications?

Cerenia should be used with caution in dogs who take medication for heart disease, as it may interact with those medications. In addition, if your dog takes any of the following medications, check with your veterinarian before giving them Cerenia:

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Cerenia?

If you forget to give your dog a dose of Cerenia, give them the medication as soon as you remember. But don't give them two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cerenia an appetite stimulant for dogs?
expand_more

Cerenia itself is not an appetite stimulant. However, because it reduces nausea and vomiting, it can help restore your dog's appetite.

Can my dog eat after taking Cerenia?
expand_more

Yes, your dog can eat after taking Cerenia. If you give your dog Cerenia for motion sickness before traveling, it's best to avoid giving them a full meal. But a small meal is fine.

Can you give your dog Cerenia at night?
expand_more

Yes, you can give your dog Cerenia at night. Though, it's a good idea to ask your veterinarian about the best time of day to give your dog the medication.

In general, you should give your dog Cerenia 2 hours before traveling if you're looking to prevent motion sickness. For other forms of nausea, you don't have to give it to them at a particular time of day.

The bottom line

Cerenia for dogs is a safe, fast-acting medication used to reduce acute nausea and vomiting caused by a variety of issues. Like any prescription medication, it should be given under the supervision of a veterinarian. If your dog experiences motion sickness, talk to your veterinarian to see if Cerenia could be a solution.

References

Brooks, W. (2022). Maropitant citrate (Cerenia). Veterinary Partner.

Grobman, M., et al. (2016). Investigation of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonism as a novel treatment for chronic bronchitis in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

View All References (6)
expand_more
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Was this page helpful?

thumb_up_outlinedthumb_down_outlined
print_outlinedemail_outlined

Pet Health Tips from Our Vets

Sign up for our Pet Health newsletter to receive advice for current, aspiring, and doing-their-best dog and cat owners.
Email address
Subscribe
I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.