Cerenia: Veterinary Drug

Cerenia contains the active substance maropitant and is available as tablet or as solution for injection. Cerenia blocks a neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor, which acts in the central nervous system. Cerenia prevents a peptide (“Substance P”) from binding to the NK1 receptors, which is involved in causing vomiting. By stopping “Substance P”, Cerenia acts as an anti-emetic. Cerenia is an anti-emetic, this means that it stops vomiting. It is used in dogs to prevent vomiting such as vomiting caused by chemotherapy (medicines used for the treatment of cancer, some of which are known to cause vomiting). In combination with supportive measures such as other veterinary treatment or a special diet, Cerenia can also be used in the treatment of vomiting (either as injection or as injection followed by tablets). For these purposes, Cerenia can be given for up to five days. Cerenia tablets can also be used in a higher dosage for a maximum of two days to prevent vomiting due to motion (travel) sickness when a dog tends to vomit when travelling by car.

CERENIA SIDE EFFECTS

Cerenia was generally well tolerated when administered daily at dosages up to 5 times the recommended doses for an extended period of time (up to 3 times the recommended maximum duration of treatment). A common side effect in the high dose group of 8 mg/kg (motion sickness) was vomiting before the car journey started. Since this was mainly observed in dogs with an empty stomach, it is recommended to feed a light meal or snack a while before the tablets are given. Other reported side effects were decreased activity levels and tiredness. The active substance in Cerenia, maropitant, is broken down via the liver and it is, therefore, recommended to use it with caution in dogs with liver disease. And because maropitant might affect the heart activity and Cerenia should be used with caution in animals with certain heart conditions. Since Cerenia has not been studied in very young dogs or pregnant or lactating bitches, any use of Cerenia in these animals should be discussed with your veterinarian.

CERENIA: PRECAUTIONS FOR HUMANS

Cerenia does not represent a particular risk for people. However, maropitant can produce acute eye irritation and in the case of accidental eye exposure, flush the eyes with plenty of water and seek medical attention. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

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