Cerenia (Rx)

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Cerenia (Rx)

Why our vets recommend it

Cerenia is a safe and effective treatment for vomiting in cats and dogs. It also prevents vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs. Unlike other medications for vomiting, Cerenia doesn’t cause drowsiness.

 
 
 
 

Medication information

What is Cerenia?

Cerenia is the first FDA-approved veterinary medication to safely and effectively treat vomiting in dogs and cats. It also effectively helps prevent vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs. The main ingredient blocks certain signals in your pet’s brain to help prevent vomiting.

What does Cerenia treat?

Conditions that Cerenia treats include:

  • Vomiting 
  • Nausea
  • Motion sickness

How is Cerenia given?

Give Cerenia to your pet according to your vet’s instructions. To prevent vomiting from car sickness, give your dog Cerenia with a small amount of food at least 2 hours before traveling. You can do this once a day for up to 2 days in a row. To prevent acute vomiting, you can give Cerenia once daily.

Who is Cerenia for?

Dogs and cats

What are the active ingredients of Cerenia?

Maropitant citrate

What are the possible side effects of Cerenia?

The most common side effects reported in dogs are loss of appetite, depression/lethargy, excessive salivation (drooling), vomiting, and diarrhea. For more information about potential adverse events see the prescribing information. If you have questions about any side effects, reach out to your vet.

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Safety Information

  • Cerenia is generally well tolerated in dogs and cats.
  • Possible side effects may include:
    • Pain or swelling at the injection site
    • Drooling, drowsiness, or diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite or lethargy
  • Use caution in dogs under 16 weeks of age due to increased risk of bone marrow suppression.2
  • In cats, long-term safety data is limited; Cerenia is typically used short term.2

Warnings 

  • Do not use in pets with a known hypersensitivity to maropitant citrate.2
  • Use with caution in animals with liver dysfunction, as the drug is metabolized by the liver.2
  • Safe use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating animals has not been fully established.2
  • Avoid concurrent use with other medications that can prolong QT intervals unless directed by a veterinarian.2

Human Warnings

  • Cerenia is not for human use.
  • Accidental ingestion may cause nausea or dizziness in people.
  • If exposed to the injectable form, it may cause eye irritation or allergic reaction—seek medical attention if needed.2
  • Always wash hands thoroughly after handling tablets or administering the medication.


References

  1. Zoetis Inc. Cerenia Dosing Chart. Zoetis, Dec. 2022, https://www.zoetisus.com/content/pages/products/petcare/Cerenia-Resources/documents/Cerenia-Dosing-Chart.pdf.
  2. Drugs.com. Cerenia for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects. Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/pro/cerenia.html.