Maropitant Dosage For Dogs: Calculator, Chart & Safe Guide

Maropitant Dosage For Dogs is a prescription drug approved by the FDA that is classified in a group of drugs known as neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists. It does this by inhibiting the activity of substance P, a chemical that is involved in the action of nausea and vomiting within the central nervous system (CNS). Maropitant blocks these signals and prevents vomiting and nausea in dogs and is one of the most trusted anti-vomiting drugs in veterinary medicine.

Cerenia dosage for dogs is used to treat acute vomiting, vomiting due to a variety of medical conditions and motion sickness while traveling. It comes in oral tablet and an injectable form so that veterinarians can choose which form is best based on your dog's condition. It can also be given as an injectable form which can be useful for dogs that will not keep oral medications down and is absorbed rapidly, avoiding gastrointestinal absorption.

The medication is used to treat:

• Treatment of acute vomiting in dogs and puppies ≥ 8 weeks of age.
• To prevent vomiting in dogs and puppies over 16 wks old due to motion sickness.

Maropitant tablets are oval-shaped tablets which are peach coloured, scored and come in a variety of strengths: 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg and 160 mg. The active ingredient in this product is maropitant citrate, a chemically modified quinuclidine compound that specifically blocks pathways of the brain which cause vomiting.

Cerenia for dogs is extremely effective and frequently acts quickly, but should be used under veterinary supervision. Sometimes vomiting is associated with more serious illnesses like intestinal blockage, ingesting poisons, infection or disease. In some cases, vomiting can even be helpful in protecting the body, and a cessation of vomiting, where the cause of the vomiting is not properly diagnosed, can be hazardous. Before prescribing maropitant, your veterinarian may recommend physical exams, blood tests, imaging, and/or other tests.

This comprehensive guide covers all details of maropitant dosage for dogs by weight, its dosage chart based on weight, its uses, benefits, side effects, safety precautions, explanation of how it works, and when to reach out to your vet.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving Maropitant or any medication to your dog.

Key Takeaways

• Maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) is a prescription drug that treats and prevents nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats.
• It is a part of a group of medicines known as neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists that block a chemical in the central nervous system called substance P to prevent the transmission of signals that cause vomiting.
• Cerenia is a rapid-acting, non-sedating anti-nausea drug that is generally used to treat acute vomiting and car sickness in dogs.
• It comes in both tablet and injectable forms, so you can have the choice that best suits your dog's needs.
• Cerenia may be used to control nausea and vomiting, but does not treat the underlying cause of gastrointestinal or medical problems.
• Maropitant is only for use under a licensed veterinarian's supervision as some causes of vomiting may need other tests or emergency treatment.
• When used properly, Cerenia is safe for most dogs but may not be suitable for all vomiting episodes and medical conditions.

Maropitant (Cerenia) Dosage Chart for Dogs By Weight

To complement the calculator, here is a comprehensive dosage table based on the clinical guidelines provided. This table is strictly for dogs and covers the three primary administration protocols.

Dog Weight (lb)	Dog Weight (kg)	Acute Vomiting (Injectable) 1 mg/kg	Acute Vomiting (Oral) 2 mg/kg	Motion Sickness (Oral) 8 mg/kg
5 lb	2.3 kg	2.3 mg	4.6 mg	18.4 mg
10 lb	4.5 kg	4.5 mg	9.0 mg	36.0 mg
15 lb	6.8 kg	6.8 mg	13.6 mg	54.4 mg
20 lb	9.1 kg	9.1 mg	18.2 mg	72.8 mg
25 lb	11.4 kg	11.4 mg	22.8 mg	91.2 mg
30 lb	13.6 kg	13.6 mg	27.2 mg	108.8 mg
40 lb	18.2 kg	18.2 mg	36.4 mg	145.6 mg
50 lb	22.7 kg	22.7 mg	45.4 mg	181.6 mg
60 lb	27.3 kg	27.3 mg	54.6 mg	218.4 mg
70 lb	31.8 kg	31.8 mg	63.6 mg	254.4 mg
80 lb	36.4 kg	36.4 mg	72.8 mg	291.2 mg

Important Administration Protocols

• For Acute Vomiting (Oral/Injectable):
  • Dosed once daily.
  • Approved for use as long as needed in dogs 7 months and older.
• For Motion Sickness:
  • Dosed at the higher 8 mg/kg rate.
  • Should be administered once daily for a maximum of 2 consecutive days.
  • Pro Tip: Fast your dog for at least 1 hour prior to travel to increase effectiveness.
• Administration Tip:
  • If using the oral tablet, it is often recommended to wrap the tablet in a small amount of food (like deli meat or cheese), but do not embed it deeply in a large meal, as this can delay absorption.

What Is Maropitant?

Maropitant Dosage For Dogs, which is a prescription antiemetic drug and available under names such as Cerenia®, Ceritant, and Comfor-Trate, is a drug that prevents and treats nausea, vomiting and motion sickness in dogs. Specifically approved by FDA to prevent vomiting associated with motion sickness, it can help make travel more comfortable for dogs who suffer from motion sickness or nausea due to travel.

Maropitant drugs acts on the central nervous system (CNS) instead of the digestive system. It is a member of a group of drugs known as neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists that block signals in the brain that are triggered by substance P, a chemical that causes nausea and vomiting. Maropitant blocks the transmission of these messages and can rapidly and effectively prevent vomiting and decrease the perception of nausea.

Cerenia is FDA approved for dogs in the following situations:

• Prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness
• Treatment for acute nausea and vomiting
• Nausea relief for some treatments, such as chemotherapy

Maropitant dose for pets also is FDA approved in the injectable form for treating vomiting in cats 4 months or older. Veterinarians may use maropitant tablets or injections extra-label (off-label) if there is veterinary experience and clinical evidence supporting this use in cats.

Maropitant is available in:

• Oral Scored Tablets, various strengths
• Formulations for injection in veterinary hospitals
• Compounded formulations for dogs or cats that require special dosages and/or alternative formulations

The drug usually starts to take effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours after being taken or injected. Maropitant is a prescription-only drug, so it must be administered under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian who will decide the appropriate dose for your dog's condition.

How Is Maropitant Dosage Used?

Maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) is a rapid onset antiemetic (anti-vomiting) drug that can be used for the treatment of nausea, vomiting and motion sickness in dogs and cats. This acts by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter substance P in the brain which elicits vomiting signals.

Maropitant is a drug that veterinarians routinely prescribe for:

• Sudden vomiting and nausea
• Travel sickness feeling ill in the car, bus, plane, etc.
• Gastrointestinal diseases like gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel disease
• Vomiting associated with pancreatitis, kidney problems, chemotherapy, anesthesia or reactions to medications.

Maropitant is typically administered once a day either:

• As an oral tablet
• As an injection in a vet's office, under the skin or into a vein.

The drug is usually administered for motion sickness prevention:

• A minimum of 2 hours prior to travel.
• Without a full meal, with a little bit of food
• Sometimes as directed by your veterinarian, on empty stomach.

Generally, dose for motion sickness is greater than dose for vomiting. Treatment may be repeated for several days under veterinary care, depending on the diagnosis.

When it comes to administration, there are a few tips you need to remember:

• Do not enclose tablets tightly in food or pill pockets because this can slow down the absorption of the tablet.
• When feeding tablets, if necessary, they should be placed in the feed in a loose layer of tablets.
• Always follow instructions of your veterinarian for dosage.
• Make sure your vet knows if your pet takes any supplements, medications or herbal products.

Maropitant should only be used under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian as vomiting may indicate a serious medical issue.

What Are the Benefits of Maropitant?

Maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) provides several significant advantages to dogs and cats with nausea, vomiting or motion sickness. It is commonly used in veterinary practice as it is rapid acting, relatively nontoxic and can be given in several forms for versatility in therapy.

Maropitant has a number of key benefits:

• Helps treat and prevent vomiting from many medical conditions
• Helps to prevent dogs from feeling sick during car or travel.
• May be able to reduce the incidence of vomiting from chemotherapy or drugs that can cause nausea
• Tablet and injectable forms are available, so pets could be treated at the veterinary hospital and then continue treatment at home if necessary.
• The injectable form is particularly useful for pets that are not able to retain oral medication.
• Acts directly on the vomiting centre of the brain to bring quick relief in cases of nausea and vomiting.
• Safe and generally well tolerated by most animals when administered by a veterinarian

Do not use maropitant without veterinary advice, particularly if ingestion of toxins or if there is a serious underlying problem is suspected.

Maropitant Dosage and Administration for Dogs

The dosage of Maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) for dogs varies based on the use of the drug; whether it's for treating acute vomiting or preventing motion sickness. It comes in oral tablets, injectable solution and only to be used by veterinary advice.

Dosage for Acute Vomiting: 10 mg/kg orally.

To treat and prevent acute vomiting in dogs:

• Oral tablets: 2 mg/kg(0.9 mg/lb) 1 times a day
• Injectable form: 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb) once daily
• Therapy could be administered for up to 5 consecutive days, but per current label, therapy in dogs older than 7 months may be continued “as long as needed” under veterinary supervision.

CERENIA tablets and injectable solution can be used interchangeably for once daily treatment.

Dosage for Motion Sickness is 400mg approximately once an hour.

To prevent vomiting from motion sickness:

• Oral dose: 8 mg/kg (3.6 mg/lb) once a day
• Should only be used for a maximum of 2 consecutive days
• Try to administer the tablet at least 2 hours prior to travel.

To improve effectiveness:

• Fasting dogs for a minimum of 1 hour preceding administration.
• Do not give a full meal before traveling—just a little bit

Administration Guidelines

Maropitant tablets come in:

• 16 mg
• 24 mg
• 60 mg
• 160 mg

Dosage is typically adjusted per body weight to the nearest half tablet. Tablets are typically sold in blister packs and can be lightly concealed in a food, like cheese or deli meat. Do not place the tablet inside a large meal or pill pocket as this may delay absorption and slow the onset of action.

How Fast Does Maropitant Work?

• Cerenia injectable: Take effect within minutes.
• Drops: Can start to work within 15 minutes; tablets for the mouth: May take 1–2 hours to work.

In a dog with normal liver function, each dose will last approximately 24 hours.

Important Safety Information

• Never give maropitant Dosage for dogs by weight without consulting your veterinarian
• Use all of the treatment as it is prescribed
• Treatment lasts as long as your dog needs it, depends on your dog's condition, how he or she responds to the treatment and any potential side effects.
• The safety in cats is not well established in the long term.
• If your dog requires nausea control for more than the recommended treatment period, contact your veterinarian.

Does Maropitant Have Warnings or Side Effects?

Maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) has been found to be safe in dogs and cats, and is generally well tolerated, but, like any drug, may have side effects and should only be given under veterinary supervision. Side effects are rare and are more likely to happen at the higher doses given for the prevention of motion sickness.

Maropitant has some common side effects

Side effects that may occur in dogs and cats are:

• Drooling or salivation (too much salvia)
• Vomiting or retching
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Lack of energy, sleepiness or sluggishness
• With chronic use, weight loss.
• Shaking, shaking or muscle tremors
• Trouble walking or uncoordination
• Fever

The majority of the side effects are mild and quickly resolve on cessation of the drug.

Injection Site Reactions

An injectable form of maropitant can cause:

• Pain at the site of injection
• A rise or swelling of skin

It may be possible to refrigerate the injectable medication prior to giving it to reduce injection discomfort.

Allergic Reactions and Serious Symptoms

Although rare, serious allergic reactions can occur. If your pet gets, contact your vet right away.

• Facial swelling
• Hives or severe itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Shock or collapse
• Seizures
• Cold limbs
• Coma

In rare cases anaphylaxis has also been reported after injection.

Caution and warnings of importance

Do not use Maropitant:

• May be used with caution in pets that are allergic or hypersensitive to maropitant citrate.
• During pregnancy or lactation
• Without veterinary supervision

Be careful when used in pets with:

• Liver disease
• Heart problems
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• When a toxin or poison is suspected to be ingested.

Cerenia may not be suitable for all episodes of vomiting as sometimes it is beneficial for the body to expel toxins or foreign objects.

Age Restrictions

• Maropitant injectable for acute vomiting:
  • Dogs: 8 weeks +
• Oral Maropitant – used for acute vomiting:
  • Dogs: 8 weeks and older

Studies indicated that higher frequency and severity of bone marrow changes occurred in puppies younger than 11 weeks of age. No such effects were noted in puppies 16 weeks of age or older.

General information on drugs and their interactions and safety advice.

Maropitant can interact with:

• NSAIDs
• Heart medications
• Seizure medications
• Behavioral drugs

Never leave out the fact that your pet is taking any medication, supplements or herbal products from your veterinarian.

Other safety measures include:

• Make sure that children and animals do not have access to it.
• Packaging and wash hands after taking the medicine
• Do not come into contact with the eyes, as maropitant may irritate the eye.
• Get medical help if you ingest or get in your eyes by accident.

If your pet continues to vomit, or you think it might be a overdose or serious reaction, contact your vet or emergency animal hospital right away.

Does Maropitant Interact With Other Medicines?

It is possible for maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) to interact with some other drugs, sometimes reducing the effectiveness of the drug or the likelihood of side effects. Make sure your veterinarian is aware of all medicines your dog or cat is taking, including any prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, herbal products and dietary supplements before administering maropitant.

Caution should be used when Maropitant is administered to dogs that are taking drugs for:

• Heart disease
• Seizures
• Fungal infections
• Behavioral conditions
• Pain and inflammation

Medications that can interact with maropitant are:

• Amlodipine
• Cimetidine
• Diltiazem
• Erythromycin
• Fluoxetine
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Phenobarbital
• Terbinafine
• Chloramphenicol
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Certain of these drugs can affect the way in which maropitant is metabolized in the animal, particularly in animals with liver or heart disease. This list is not exhaustive of all drug interactions and your veterinarian should always be consulted before giving Cerenia in combination with other drugs.

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

Maropitant citrate (Cerenia®) is a trusted and rapid acting drug for prevention and control of nausea, vomiting and motion sickness in dogs. It is extremely effective for vomiting for a variety of causes such as acute stomach upset, travellers nausea and nausea due to medical treatments like chemotherapy because it acts directly on the vomiting centre of the brain.

Cerenia dose is available as an oral medication or an injection, so it can be administered in a variety of different ways, as your dog might have trouble taking or keeping down oral doses. The drug is well-tolerated by most dogs and many owners experience a marked improvement after only a few hours of treatment.

Cerenia is regarded as safe and effective, however, it should always be used under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Sometimes vomiting may be a sign of a serious underlying health issue, such as the ingestion of toxins, intestinal blockage, or organ disease and therefore correct diagnosis is important before treatment is commenced.

Talk with your veterinarian if your dog has been vomiting, nauseated or motion sick frequently during travel, as Maropitant (Cerenia®) may be the answer.