Cerenia

What is Cerenia?

Cerenia is a veterinary antiemetic containing maropitant, a molecule specifically developed to prevent and treat vomiting in dogs. It is the first veterinary medication approved to control acute vomiting, including vomiting caused by motion sickness.
The tablets are palatable, making administration easier even for sensitive or stressed dogs. This medication requires a veterinary prescription in Canada.

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What is Cerenia used for?

Cerenia is mainly used to:

• treat acute vomiting regardless of the cause such as gastritis, ingestion of inappropriate food, or viral illness
• prevent vomiting related to motion sickness during car or air travel
• stabilize dogs prone to nausea, particularly in cases of acute illness
• improve comfort in dogs that experience recurrent vomiting

Maropitant works by blocking neurochemical signals responsible for the vomiting reflex, providing fast and long-lasting relief.

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Dosage

Cerenia is available in tablet form in the following strengths:

• 16 mg
• 24 mg
• 60 mg
• 160 mg

This medication is also available as an injectable solution in a 20 mL vial (10 mg/mL).
The prescribed dose depends on the dog’s weight and the reason for treatment (acute vomiting or prevention of motion sickness). Your veterinarian will indicate the appropriate strength and number of tablets to administer.

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How and how often should I give Cerenia to my pet?

Cerenia is administered orally as a tablet or by injection.
General recommendations:

• Administer once daily, according to veterinary instructions.
• For motion sickness, give the dose at least 2 hours before departure to ensure optimal effectiveness.
• The medication should be given on an empty stomach, ideally one hour before a light meal.
• Make sure the dog swallows the tablet completely and does not spit it out.

Treatment duration varies depending on the cause of vomiting. For acute episodes, 1 to 5 days are often sufficient; for motion sickness prevention, administration is given as needed.

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What are the side effects and precautions associated with Cerenia?

Precautions

• Do not use in puppies under 8 weeks of age.
• Strictly follow weight-based dosing to avoid overdose.
• Inform your veterinarian of any other medications your dog is receiving.

Possible side effects

• The most commonly observed effects include:
• Increased salivation
• Temporary lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Mild loss of appetite

These effects are generally temporary. If your dog shows persistent or unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

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