Maropitantum

Maropitantum, known under the brand name Cerenia®, is a medication specifically developed for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in dogs. It is frequently used in veterinary medicine to control various types of vomiting, including vomiting caused by motion sickness, gastrointestinal problems, after surgery or triggered by chemotherapy.

Maropitantum acts as a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist and blocks the effect of substance P, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the vomiting centre in the brain. By blocking this effect, maropitantum prevents the urge to vomit and reduces nausea.

When is maropitantum used in dogs?

Maropitantum is used in various situations to prevent or treat vomiting and nausea. The most common areas of application include:

1. Travel sickness: Maropitantum is particularly effective for dogs suffering from nausea and vomiting while travelling by car or on trips. It is frequently administered preventatively before a trip begins.
2. Acute vomiting: Dogs that vomit due to gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, pancreatitis or other digestive tract diseases can benefit from the antiemetic effect of maropitantum.
3. After surgery: After surgical procedures, particularly under anaesthesia, maropitantum can be used to prevent postoperative nausea.
4. Chemotherapy-induced vomiting: In dogs receiving chemotherapy, maropitantum is used to prevent or alleviate vomiting caused by the treatment.
5. Gastrointestinal disorders: It is also used for chronic gastrointestinal disorders or inflammation of the digestive tract to control symptoms.

How does maropitantum work?

Maropitantum blocks the effect of substance P, a neurotransmitter that acts on the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors in the vomiting centre of the brain. Substance P is responsible for triggering the vomiting reflex by sending signals from the digestive tract to the brain that trigger vomiting.

By blocking these receptors, maropitantum prevents the signal for nausea and vomiting from reaching the brain, thereby suppressing the urge to vomit. This makes maropitantum particularly effective against various types of vomiting, regardless of the underlying cause.

Dosage and administration

Maropitantum is available in various forms, including tablets and injections. The dosage depends on the size of the dog, the reason for treatment and the method of administration:

1. Tablets: For travel sickness, maropitantum is administered in tablet form. The tablets should be given at least 1 to 2 hours before the trip and provide protection for up to 24 hours.
2. Injections: For acute vomiting or after surgery, maropitantum is often administered as an injection, either subcutaneously or intravenously. The injection acts quickly and helps to effectively suppress vomiting.

The exact dosage is determined by the vet based on the dog’s weight. It is important to follow the vet’s instructions precisely to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.

Benefits of maropitantum

• Broad spectrum of use: Maropitantum is effective for various types of vomiting, regardless of the cause, whether due to travel sickness, gastrointestinal problems or after surgery.
• Long-lasting protection: A single dose can provide protection against nausea and vomiting for up to 24 hours.
• Rapid onset of action: Injections generally take effect within 30 minutes to an hour, providing rapid relief for acute vomiting.
• Prevention of travel sickness: Maropitantum is one of the few treatment options specifically developed to prevent travel sickness in dogs.

Side effects of maropitantum

Maropitantum is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for dogs, but as with any medication, side effects can occur. Possible side effects include:

1. Drowsiness or lethargy: Some dogs may appear tired or drowsy after taking maropitantum. This effect is generally mild and temporary.
2. Pain at the injection site: When administered as an injection, slight pain or temporary swelling at the injection site may occur.
3. Diarrhoea: In rare cases, maropitantum can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea.
4. Hypersensitivity reactions: In extremely rare cases, dogs may have an allergic reaction to maropitantum. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rashes, breathing difficulties or swelling. In such cases, a vet should be consulted immediately.
5. Interactions with other medications: Maropitantum may interact with other medications in rare cases. It is important to inform the vet about all medications the dog is taking.

When should maropitantum not be used?

In some cases, maropitantum should not be used or should only be administered under strict veterinary supervision:

• Liver disease: As maropitantum is metabolised in the liver, it should only be used with caution in dogs with liver problems.
• Pregnancy and lactation: The safety of maropitantum in pregnant or nursing bitches has not been fully investigated; therefore, it should only be used after consulting the vet.
• Young puppies: Maropitantum should only be used with caution in puppies under 8 weeks of age.

Conclusion

Maropitantum (Cerenia®) is an effective medication for the treatment and prevention of vomiting in dogs. It offers protection against nausea in various situations, including motion sickness, gastrointestinal problems and after surgery. Thanks to its rapid and long-lasting effect, it is one of the most frequently used antiemetics in veterinary medicine. It is important to follow the vet’s dosage instructions precisely and monitor the dog for possible side effects.