Before an episode of vomiting, it is common for caregivers to wonder what can be given to a dog to stop vomiting. Well, one of the most frequently used antiemetic drugs in dogs and cats is cerenia. It is a veterinary medicine whose active ingredient is maropitant, which is used to prevent and treat vomiting induced by different causes.
What is Cerenia?
Cerenia is a veterinary medicine, whose active ingredient is maropitant It is an antiemetic, that is, a drug intended to treat vomiting. Its antiemetic effect is produced by antagonizing neurokinin (NK-1) receptors present in the vomiting center, which is located in the Central Nervous System. By antagonizing these receptors, it inhibits the binding of substance P, which is thought to be the key neurotransmitter involved in vomiting.
How can Cerenia be given to dogs? Cerenia is currently available for dogs and cats in the form of tablets and solution for injection.
What is Cerenia used for in dogs?
As we have already mentioned, Cerenia is an antiemetic drug used to treat vomiting. Specifically, it is used to prevent or treat vomiting in the following situations:
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Induced vomiting due to motion sickness: known as motion sickness.
- Vomiting induced by other causes.
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Dose of Cerenia for dogs
The dose of cerenia in dogs depends on two factors, on the one hand the route of administration and on the other the effect we want to find.
- The route of administration: it can be administered orally (in tablets) or parenterally (in injectable solution)
- The desired effect.
Dose of Cerenia by mouth (tablets)
The dose of Cerenia taken by mouth, i.e. tablets, is as follows:
- For the prevention of nausea induced by chemotherapy: the dose is 2 mg per kg of weight To prevent vomiting, it should be administered more than one hour in advance, although since the effect lasts approximately 24 hours, it can be administered the night before chemotherapy treatment.
- For the prevention of induced vomiting due to motion sickness: the dose is 8 mg per kg of weight The tablet should be administered at least one hour before starting the trip, although since the effect persists for at least 12 hours, it may be convenient to administer it the night before the trip. The treatment can be repeated for a maximum of 2 consecutive days.
- For the prevention or treatment of vomiting from other causes: the dose is 2 mg per kg of weight, once a day. Tablet treatment should not be continued for more than 14 days.
Dose of Cerenia parenterally (injectable solution)
Cerenia solution for injection should be administered subcutaneously or intravenously, at a dose of 1 mg per weight kg, once a day. The duration of parenteral treatment should not exceed 5 days.
To prevent vomiting, cerenia solution for injection should be administered more than one hour in advance, although as the duration of effect is approximately 24 hours, it can be administered the night before chemotherapy treatment. It should be noted that the injectable form is not recommended to prevent vomiting induced by motion sickness.
Once the dose and how long the effect of cerenia lasts has been detailed, it should be noted that maropitant can accumulate in the body after daily administration, so lower than recommended doses may be effective in preventing or treating vomiting.
Side effects and contraindications of Cerenia for dogs
The adverse reactions, that is, the side effects that may occur associated with the administration of Cerenia in dogs, are:
- Lethargy.
- Vomiting: within two hours after administration of 8 mg/kg dose.
- Injection site pain: when injected subcutaneously.
- Anaphylactic reactions: edema, urticaria, erythema, dyspnea, pale mucous membranes, collapse, etc.
The contraindications to the use of Cerenia in dogs are as follows:
- Vomiting due to infectious gastroenteritis or poisoning: since, in these cases, vomiting is a defense mechanism used by the body to eliminate the pathogenic or toxic agent.
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to maropitant or to any excipient that includes the drug
- Dogs treated with calcium channel antagonist drugs: such as amlodipine or diltiazem), since maropitant has an affinity for calcium channels.
In addition, Cerenia should be administered with caution in the following cases:
- Hepatic disorders: In dogs with liver disease, Cerenia should be used with caution as it is metabolized in the liver.
- Heart disease: In dogs with or predisposed to heart disease, use with caution as it may impair function of calcium and potassium channels.
- Puppies less than 16 weeks old (at 8 mg/kg dose) or less from 8 weeks (at a dose of 2 mg/kg): since the safety of the drug has not been studied in puppies of this age at the indicated doses.
- Pregnancy and lactation: No toxicity studies have been carried out in pregnant or lactating bitches, therefore, in these cases it is only recommended use after a proper risk/benefit assessment.
Cerenia overdose in dogs
Cases of Cerenia overdose in dogs can occur for two reasons:
- Inadequate dosage.
- Accidental ingestion: it is the most common cause of overdose.
In studies conducted, following oral administration of Cerenia at doses greater than 20 mg/kg, clinical signs were observed What:
- Vomiting.
- Excess salivation.
- Watery stools.
To prevent poisoning by this or any other drug, remember the importance of complying with the dosage prescribed by the veterinarian and keeping any medication or medical device out of the reach of your pets.
In case of overdose or suspicion of it, don't hesitate to go urgently to a veterinary center, regardless of whether they appear or no associated clinical signs.
