Maropitant Citrate 101: What to Know if Your Dog or Cat is Prescribed Maropitant

Maropitant Citrate is an antiemetic (anti-vomiting) medication commonly prescribed by veterinarians to prevent acute vomiting in dogs and cats. It is typically used for dogs with motion sickness and for dogs and cats undergoing chemotherapy treatment, prior to surgery to prevent postoperative nausea or for cases of GI upset. It can also be used as a mild form of pain relief.

It is sometimes used in surgery for its anesthetic-sparing effect. It is used to reduce visceral pain felt during the manipulation of internal organs during procedures. It can also be used in for coughing in dogs.

In cats, it is prescribed for long-term use to prevent vomiting in cats with renal failure. It also has been found to help to prevent itchiness in cats with non-flea, non-food-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved maropitant citrate tablets for the prevention of acute vomiting and the prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs and cats (March 2023).

Your veterinarian may prescribe maropitant under the brand name Cerenia® or Zofran®. It may be given orally, transdermally, as a nasal spray, or as a subcutaneous injection.

Maropitant works by targeting the vomiting center of the brain – the emetic center, chemoreceptor trigger zone. Because it works in the brain as opposed to the stomach, it can treat and prevent vomiting from a wide variety of causes.

Maropitant is generally a safe and effective drug. Side effects of maropitant are rare, but may include:

• Lethargy or Tiredness
• Decreased Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Incoordination
• Excessive Drooling
• Vomiting or Retching
• Muscle Tremors
• Pain or swelling of the injection site (with Injectable maropitant)

If you believe your dog or cat is experiencing any of these side effects, consult your veterinarian.

Medications that may interact with maropitant are fluconazole, amlodipine, diltiazem, fluoxetine, terbinafine, and NSAIDs.

Maropitant should not be used in pets who have gastrointestinal obstruction, hepatic dysfunction, toxin ingestion, or in pets under 8 weeks old. It should be used with caution in pets that have heart or liver disease, and pets that are pregnant or nursing. It should be used with caution in puppies under 16 weeks when using higher, motion-sickness dosing, as bone marrow suppression has occurred in these cases.

Maropitant is an ocular irritant. Avoid getting it in your pet's eyes as well as your own.

Humans can have skin sensitization or localized allergic skin reactions to maropitant. Avoid topical exposure and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after giving the oral formulation and applying the transdermal gel.

Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s directions carefully.

The dosage forms and strengths below are the most commonly prepared by Wedgewood.

View all Maropitant options

If you miss giving your pet a dose, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses (double dose) to catch up. If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinarian and follow their directions.

Symptoms of a maropitant overdose may include weight loss, vomiting, soft stools, weakness, lethargy, excessive drooling, decreased heart rate, changes in electrolyte levels, and changes in your pets’ white blood cell count or their bone marrow. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect an overdose.

If you suspect your pet or another animal has accidentally overdosed or has accidentally ingested this medication inadvertently, immediately contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A.’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Remember to take your prescription container with you when you take your pet for treatment. If you or someone else has ingested this medication, call the National Capital Poison Center at 800-222-1222.

Your veterinarian will prescribe a specific dosage based on the pet’s weight, condition, indication of use, and other factors.

Compounded medicines are prepared for the exact strength your veterinarian prescribes. The price of the medication will depend on the dosage and the medication form, with certain dosage forms and higher strengths generally being more expensive.

In addition, the cost of a medication will depend upon the price of the other active pharmaceutical ingredients and may increase the cost of the finished drug.

How Quickly Does Maropitant Work in Dogs and Cats in the Prevention of Motion Sickness?

Maropitant Citrate is typically effective within about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the dose and form. If using oral maropitant, give with a little bit of food or place in a treat, but avoid giving a full meal before traveling.

How Long Does Maropitant Citrate Last in Cats?

Maropitant Citrate lasts approximately 24 hours in cats. Cats can be especially difficult to give medications. Talk to your veterinarian about using a transdermal gel for safe and easy dosing.

Is Maropitant the Same for Cats and Dogs?

In cats, maropitant is used to prevent vomiting and to reduce nausea from surgery and chemotherapy treatments, but is not suitable for motion sickness. In dogs, it can be used for car sickness as well as to prevent nausea and vomiting pre- and post-surgery and to help recovery from general anesthesia after the use of morphine.

How Long Can a Pet Take Maropitant?

Dogs and cats can take maropitant for up to 5 consecutive days. If you need to keep your pet on it longer, discuss options with your veterinarian.

Is Maropitant Hard on the Liver?

Maropitant is broken down in the liver, so it should be used with caution in animals with liver disease. It can affect heart activity, too, so it should be used with caution in pets with certain heart conditions.

This article is meant to provide general and not medical advice. We strongly recommend that a veterinarian be consulted for the specific medical needs of your animal.

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