Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the most widely used anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication in veterinary medicine. Manufactured by Zoetis, Cerenia is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatment of acute vomiting in dogs and cats, as well as the prevention of motion sickness in dogs. It has become a standard part of veterinary care, used in situations ranging from car sickness to post-surgical nausea to chemotherapy support.
With generic maropitant tablets (marketed as ZyVet) available since 2023 and an injectable generic (Emeprev) approved in December 2025, pet owners now have more affordable options for this essential medication.
What Is Cerenia Used For?
Cerenia is prescribed for dogs and cats in several situations:
In dogs:
- Treatment of acute vomiting from various causes
- Prevention of motion sickness (for car travel)
- Prevention of vomiting associated with chemotherapy
- Post-operative nausea management
- Supportive care during pancreatitis, kidney disease, and other conditions that cause nausea
In cats:
- Treatment of acute vomiting
- Prevention of vomiting associated with chemotherapy
- Supportive care during conditions that cause nausea (kidney disease, pancreatitis, and others)
Note: Cerenia is FDA-approved for prevention of motion sickness in dogs only. Its use for motion sickness in cats is considered off-label but may be prescribed by your veterinarian at their clinical discretion. Consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.
How Does Cerenia Work?
Maropitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of substance P, a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in triggering the vomiting reflex in the brain’s emetic center.
Unlike older anti-nausea medications that target only peripheral signals, maropitant acts centrally in the brain, making it effective against a wide range of vomiting triggers, including:
- Motion and vestibular stimulation
- Toxins and metabolic waste products (such as from kidney disease)
- Medications (particularly chemotherapy drugs)
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
Maropitant may also have mild anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which may provide additional benefit in some clinical situations, though more research is needed to fully characterize these effects.
Dosage
Your veterinarian will determine the exact dose for your pet. Dosing differs between dogs and cats, and between oral and injectable forms.
Dogs
| Use | Route | Typical Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute vomiting (treatment) | Oral tablet | 2 mg/kg | Once daily | Up to 5 consecutive days |
| Motion sickness (prevention) | Oral tablet | 8 mg/kg | Once, at least 2 hours before travel | As needed per trip |
| Acute vomiting | Injectable (SC) | 1 mg/kg | Once daily | As directed by vet |
Cats
| Use | Route | Typical Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute vomiting (treatment) | Injectable (SC or IV) | 1 mg/kg | Once daily | As directed by vet |
| Acute vomiting (treatment) | Oral tablet | 1 mg/kg | Once daily | Up to 5 consecutive days |
Important notes:
- Cerenia tablets are scored and come in 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg, and 160 mg sizes (designed for dogs by weight range). For cats, the 16 mg tablet may be split, but your veterinarian will guide appropriate sizing.
- The injectable form is commonly used in veterinary hospitals for cats and dogs that cannot keep oral medication down.
- For motion sickness in dogs, the dose (8 mg/kg) is higher than the dose for acute vomiting (2 mg/kg). Do not use the motion sickness dose for treating vomiting, or vice versa, without your veterinarian’s guidance.
- Always follow your veterinarian’s specific dosing instructions.
How to Give Cerenia to Your Dog or Cat
Oral Tablets
- Give the tablet with a small amount of food or a treat. A small amount of food may reduce the chance of the tablet causing drooling or vomiting upon administration.
- For motion sickness prevention in dogs, give the tablet at least 2 hours before travel, with a small amount of food. Withholding a full meal before travel may also help.
- Do not crush tablets unless directed by your veterinarian.
Injectable Form
- The injectable form is typically administered by your veterinarian or veterinary team, either under the skin (subcutaneously) or into the vein (intravenously).
- The injection can cause a brief stinging sensation at the injection site. Refrigerating the injectable solution before use and injecting slowly may reduce discomfort.
Side Effects
Cerenia is generally well tolerated in both dogs and cats. Most side effects are mild and transient.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Vet) |
|---|---|
| Drooling (especially after oral dosing) | Allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing) |
| Decreased appetite (mild, temporary) | Persistent or worsening vomiting |
| Lethargy or drowsiness | Bloody vomit or diarrhea |
| Pain at injection site (injectable form) | Collapse or extreme weakness |
| Loose stool |
Important: Vomiting is a symptom, not a diagnosis. While Cerenia effectively controls vomiting, it does not treat the underlying cause. If your pet is vomiting, your veterinarian will work to identify and address the reason. Controlling vomiting with Cerenia while pursuing a diagnosis helps keep your pet comfortable and reduces the risk of dehydration.
Drug Interactions
Maropitant is metabolized by the liver. Potential interactions include:
- Other highly protein-bound drugs (NSAIDs, cardiac medications): Maropitant is highly protein-bound and could theoretically compete with other protein-bound drugs, though clinically significant interactions appear uncommon.
- Drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes: Maropitant is metabolized by liver cytochrome P450 enzymes. Drugs that inhibit or compete for these pathways could theoretically alter maropitant levels.
- Other antiemetics: Cerenia can be used in combination with other anti-nausea medications (such as ondansetron) in some clinical situations under veterinary supervision.
Inform your veterinarian about all medications your pet is taking.
Contraindications
- Do not use in dogs or cats with known hypersensitivity to maropitant.
- Cerenia tablets (for motion sickness) should not be used in puppies younger than 8 weeks. For acute vomiting, the minimum age for tablet use is 8 weeks in dogs and 16 weeks in cats (per FDA label).
- The injectable form should not be used in puppies younger than 8 weeks or kittens younger than 16 weeks.
- Use with caution in animals with liver disease, as maropitant is metabolized by the liver.
Your veterinarian will determine if Cerenia is appropriate for your pet based on their age, weight, and overall health.
Storage
- Tablets: Store at room temperature (68-77 degrees F / 20-25 degrees C). Keep in original packaging until use.
- Injectable solution: Store at room temperature. The injectable solution does not require refrigeration for storage but refrigerating before injection may reduce injection-site discomfort. Protect from light.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Cost & Availability
With generic options now available, the cost of maropitant has become more accessible.
| Product | Form | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cerenia (brand, Zoetis) | 4 tablets (16 mg) | $25-$35 |
| Cerenia (brand, Zoetis) | Injectable, 20 mL vial | $60-$80 |
| ZyVet (generic maropitant tablets) | 4 tablets (16 mg) | $15-$25 |
| Emeprev (generic injectable, approved Dec 2025) | 20 mL vial | Pricing may vary; consult your vet |
- Cerenia and generic maropitant are prescription medications and must be obtained through a veterinary clinic or with a veterinary prescription from an authorized pharmacy.
- For occasional use (motion sickness, acute illness), the per-dose cost is modest. For ongoing supportive care (chronic kidney disease, cancer treatment), monthly costs may range from $30-$75 depending on the pet’s size and frequency of use.
- Ask your veterinarian whether a generic option is available and appropriate for your pet.
FAQ
Q: Can I give Cerenia to my cat for car sickness? A: Cerenia is FDA-approved for motion sickness prevention in dogs, not cats. However, your veterinarian may prescribe it off-label for motion sickness in cats based on their clinical judgment. Do not use it without veterinary guidance.
Q: How quickly does Cerenia work? A: The injectable form typically begins working within 15-30 minutes. Oral tablets generally take effect within 1-2 hours. For motion sickness prevention, give the oral dose at least 2 hours before travel.
Q: Is Cerenia safe for long-term use? A: Cerenia is labeled for use up to 5 consecutive days for acute vomiting. Some veterinarians prescribe it for longer periods as part of supportive care for chronic conditions. Discuss the risks and benefits of extended use with your veterinarian.
Q: Does Cerenia treat the cause of vomiting? A: No. Cerenia controls the symptom of vomiting but does not address the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will work to diagnose why your pet is vomiting and treat the root problem alongside symptom management.
Q: Are the generic versions as effective as brand-name Cerenia? A: Generic maropitant products (such as ZyVet tablets and Emeprev injectable) must meet FDA standards for bioequivalence, meaning they contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration and are expected to work in the same way. If you have questions about switching to a generic, consult your veterinarian.
Sources & References
- FDA - Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate) Approval Information
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Antiemetic Agents
- VCA Animal Hospitals - Maropitant (Cerenia)
- Zoetis - Cerenia Product Information
- DailyMed - Cerenia Label
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.