Cerenia Injectable Solution 20ml – Maropitant 10mg/ml Anti-Vomiting Treatment for Dogs & Cats

Cerenia Injectable – Maropitant Citrate 10mg/ml Anti-Vomiting Solution for Dogs and Cats

Cerenia is a veterinary antiemetic (anti-vomiting) injectable solution manufactured by Zoetis, containing maropitant citrate at 10mg/ml. It is the first and only FDA-approved medication specifically designed to prevent and treat vomiting in dogs and cats.

Cerenia works as a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, blocking Substance P — a key neurotransmitter in the brain’s vomiting centre. This targeted mechanism provides fast-acting, non-sedating relief from nausea and vomiting, making it the gold standard antiemetic in veterinary medicine.

Supplied as a 20ml multi-dose vial of clear, colourless to light yellow solution for injection.

How Cerenia Works

Vomiting is triggered when Substance P binds to NK1 receptors in the brain’s emetic (vomiting) centre. Cerenia’s active ingredient, maropitant citrate, blocks these NK1 receptors, preventing Substance P from activating the vomiting reflex.

This mechanism is effective against vomiting from multiple causes — not just one trigger — making Cerenia far more versatile than older antiemetics like metoclopramide or ondansetron, which only block specific pathways.

• Onset: Rapidly absorbed after subcutaneous injection; peak plasma concentration reached within approximately 45 minutes
• Duration: Effective for approximately 24 hours per dose
• Non-sedating: Unlike Benadryl or Dramamine, Cerenia does not cause drowsiness

What Does Cerenia Treat?

Dogs:

• Treatment of acute vomiting from any cause (gastritis, pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, toxin ingestion, kidney disease)
• Prevention of vomiting due to chemotherapy
• Prevention of perioperative nausea and vomiting — used before surgery when opioids (e.g., morphine) are given as pre-anaesthetics
• Motion sickness — prevention of travel-related vomiting (note: injectable form is less commonly used for this; tablets are preferred)

Cats:

• Prevention and reduction of nausea (except motion sickness)
• Treatment of acute vomiting in combination with other supportive measures
• Prevention of perioperative nausea and vomiting after general anaesthesia with opioids

Dosage and Administration

Administer by subcutaneous (SC) injection in dogs and cats. In dogs, intravenous (IV) administration is also permitted as a single bolus (do not dilute or mix with IV fluids).

Dose: 1mg maropitant per kg body weight (equivalent to 1ml per 10kg body weight), once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.

Cerenia Injectable Dosage Chart

To prevent chemotherapy-induced vomiting, administer at least 1 hour before the emesis-causing agent. The effect lasts ~24 hours, so administering the evening before treatment day is also effective.

Tip for cats: Injecting Cerenia at refrigerator temperature (rather than room temperature) can significantly reduce pain at the injection site.

Key Benefits

• Fast-acting: Peak effect within 45 minutes after subcutaneous injection
• 24-hour duration: One injection provides a full day of anti-nausea and anti-vomiting protection
• Broad-spectrum antiemetic: Effective against vomiting from multiple causes — not limited to one trigger
• Non-sedating: Unlike older antiemetics, Cerenia does not cause drowsiness
• Multi-species: Licensed for both dogs and cats
• Ideal for acute cases: Injectable form is perfect when oral medication cannot be given (the animal is already vomiting)
• 20ml multi-dose vial: Cost-effective for veterinary clinics and multi-pet households

Side Effects

Dogs:

• Pain at injection site (transient)
• Hypersalivation (drooling)
• Drowsiness / lethargy
• Anorexia (temporary loss of appetite)
• Diarrhoea

Cats:

• Moderate to severe pain at injection site — reported in approximately one-third of cats. Refrigerating the vial before injection can help reduce this
• Hypersalivation
• In very rare cases: anaphylactic-type reactions (allergic oedema, urticaria, collapse, dyspnoea)

Contraindications and Warnings

• Do not use in puppies under 8 weeks or kittens under 16 weeks of age
• Safety not established in pregnant or lactating dogs and cats
• Use with caution in animals with liver disease (maropitant is metabolised in the liver)
• Use with caution in animals with heart disease or predisposition to cardiac conditions
• Do not use concurrently with calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, amlodipine) — maropitant has affinity to calcium channels
• Maropitant is highly protein-bound and may compete with other highly protein-bound drugs
• Vomiting can indicate serious underlying conditions (e.g., GI obstruction) — appropriate diagnostic evaluation should not be delayed

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F). Protect from light. Discard unused solution 90 days after first puncture. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Cerenia injection work?
Cerenia reaches peak plasma concentration within approximately 45 minutes after subcutaneous injection. Most dogs and cats show significant improvement in nausea and vomiting within 1 hour.

Can Cerenia be used in cats?
Yes. Cerenia injectable is licensed for both dogs and cats. However, approximately one-third of cats experience moderate to severe pain at the injection site. Refrigerating the vial before injection helps reduce discomfort.

How long does Cerenia last?
Each injection provides approximately 24 hours of anti-vomiting protection. It can be given once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.

Can I use Cerenia for motion sickness?
The injectable form is not recommended for motion sickness. Cerenia tablets (oral form) are the preferred choice for preventing travel-related vomiting in dogs.

Is Cerenia safe for puppies and kittens?
Cerenia has not been established as safe in puppies under 8 weeks or kittens under 16 weeks of age. For older puppies and kittens, consult your veterinarian.

Can Cerenia be given with other medications?
Cerenia is generally compatible with most common veterinary medications. However, it should not be used concurrently with calcium channel blockers. Inform your veterinarian of all medications your pet is taking.

Does Cerenia treat the cause of vomiting?
No. Cerenia controls the symptom (vomiting) but does not treat the underlying cause. It should be used alongside appropriate diagnostic evaluation and supportive care.

What’s the difference between Cerenia tablets and injection?
Both contain maropitant citrate. The injectable form is ideal for acute situations where the animal is already vomiting and cannot keep tablets down. Tablets are better for planned prevention (e.g., before travel or chemotherapy).