Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs

What is Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs?

Maropitant citrate is an FDA-approved veterinary prescription antiemetic indicated for the prevention of acute vomiting and the prevention of vomiting associated with motion sickness in dogs. It provides the exact active drug molecule, biological availability, and therapeutic efficacy as brand-name Cerenia®. Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets require a valid prescription from your veterinarian.

Suitable for:

Dogs

Benefits:

• Provides targeted antiemetic defense by blocking the final common emetic pathway in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
• Rapid onset of action provides dependable defense against travel-associated motion sickness when administered at least two hours prior to departure.

How does Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs work?

Maropitant citrate is a potent and selective neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It functions by inhibiting the binding of Substance P—a key neuropeptide mediator of nausea and emesis—to NK1 receptors located in the brainstem's vomiting center (nucleus tractus solitarius), the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CRTZ), and the gastrointestinal tract. By neutralizing this final common neurochemical pathway, it suppresses emetic stimuli regardless of whether the trigger is central or peripheral.

Caution:

Maropitant citrate is contraindicated in dogs suspected of having a gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction or in pets that have ingested toxic substances, as antiemetic therapy can mask clinical progression and delay essential surgical or medical treatment. Not approved for puppies younger than 8 weeks of age for acute vomiting, or younger than 16 weeks of age for motion sickness dosing, due to the risk of bone marrow hypocellularity. Safe use has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Use with clinical caution in pets with impaired hepatic function or underlying cardiac conduction disorders.

How should I store this product?

Store in a cool, dry place.

What is the most important information I should know about Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs?

Maropitant citrate tablets are formulated for oral use in dogs. If your dog is actively retching and cannot keep down water or oral medications, contact your veterinary clinic immediately.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs to my pet?

Inform your veterinarian if your dog has liver disease, heart disease, or a history of ingesting foreign objects or toxins. Discuss whether your pet is pregnant, nursing, intended for breeding, or younger than 16 weeks of age. Provide a full medical history, including any concurrent medications (particularly cardiac medications, anticonvulsants, or behavioral therapies) and dietary supplements.

How should Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs be given/administered?

Administer this medication orally exactly as directed by your prescribing veterinarian. When dosing for motion sickness, administer the tablet at least 2 hours prior to travel. Offer the tablet with a small amount of food (such as a bite of regular food or a small treat) to reduce the potential for stomach upset that can occur if dosed on a completely empty stomach. Fasting your pet for 1 hour prior to administration may decrease the likelihood of pre-travel vomiting. Do not tightly encapsulate or embed the tablet in thick food (such as pill wraps or dense treats), as this can delay tablet disintegration and delay the onset of effectiveness. Wash hands with soap and water after handling tablets.

What are the potential side effects of Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs?

Maropitant citrate is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include lethargy, drowsiness, decreased appetite, mild diarrhea, excessive salivation (hypersalivation), or panting. Vomiting shortly after administration can occasionally occur if given on an empty stomach. If your dog exhibits signs of an allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, or respiratory distress) or severe lethargy, stop administration and contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs?

If administering for acute vomiting prevention, give the missed dose as soon as you remember that same day. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal 24-hour cycle. If the medication was prescribed for travel and you miss the 2-hour pre-travel dosing window, contact your veterinary clinic for guidance. Never administer two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs?

Seek immediate emergency veterinary care. Signs of overdose can include severe lethargy, ataxia (loss of coordination), excessive salivation, vomiting, trembling, muscle weakness, and cardiac rhythm irregularities.

What should I avoid while giving Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs to my pet?

Do not give this medication to puppies under 8 weeks of age (or under 16 weeks of age for motion sickness dosing). Do not administer this medication if you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object or bone that could cause an intestinal blockage. Avoid wrapping tablets tightly in dense foods or treats.

What other drugs will affect Maropitant Citrate (Generic) Tablets for Dogs?

Because maropitant is heavily bound to plasma proteins and metabolized through hepatic cytochrome P450 pathways, notify your veterinarian if your pet is receiving NSAIDs, phenobarbital, behavioral medications, calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine), or antifungal drugs (such as ketoconazole). Always consult your veterinarian or pharmacist before introducing any new prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, or supplements.