Maropitant

(ma-rahp-it-ent)

Other names for this medication: Cerenia

•Used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting.

•May be given with or without food. Giving with a small amount of food may help prevent stomach upset.

•When used to prevent vomiting before a specific event, give this medication approximately 2 hours beforehand with a small amount of food.

•Do not wrap the tablets tightly in food, as this may prevent the medication from working.

•Side effects are uncommon but may include lack of energy, decreased appetite, vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea.

•In humans, skin exposure may cause allergic skin reactions. Wash your hands after handling this medication.

Description

•Antiemetic

•Available as oral tablets

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Prevention and treatment of vomiting in dogs

•Prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as for:

•Treatment of cough in dogs

•Treatment and prevention of vomiting in cats

•Treatment of allergic skin disease in cats

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal currently has or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in:

•Animals that are allergic to this medication

Use with caution:

•For motion sickness in dogs less than 11 weeks old

•In animals that have ingested toxic materials

•In animals that have a blockage in their gastrointestinal tract

•In animals with heart or liver disease

•In animals with abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•This medication can cause skin irritation. Wash your hands after handling it.

•In case of accidental eye exposure, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with or without food. Giving with a small amount food may help prevent stomach upset.

•If using maropitant to prevent vomiting due to a specific event, give approximately 2 hours beforehand with a small amount of food.

•Do not wrap the tablets too tightly in food. This can prevent the medication from working well.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

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 tremors or seizures

•Rashes, trouble breathing, pale gums, or swelling of the face or head. These may be signs of an allergic reaction.

How will I know it's working?

•Your animal should start feeling better in 1 to 2 hours.

Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.

•It may last longer if your animal has reduced liver function.

How long do I give it for?

This medication can be given for different lengths of time. Give it for as long as your veterinarian tells you. You may need to refill the prescription.

Overdose

If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

Storage

•Keep tablets in the sealed blister packs until ready to use. Store at room temperature.

•Tablets are sensitive to moisture. If you were instructed to split tablets, wrap partial tablets tightly in the blister pack foil to help protect from moisture.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash it down the sink. This medication is very harmful to aquatic life. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.