What is Cerenia for Cats?

Cerenia is an antiemetic medication that can help cats with vomiting. The generic name of this medication is Maropitant Citrate.

As a cat owner, you've undoubtedly witnessed those distressing moments when your feline friend exhibits signs of nausea or vomiting. These episodes can be concerning, leaving you feeling helpless as your beloved pet struggles with discomfort. 

Cerenia, an FDA-approved and prescription only medication, is here to address those worries and possibly, put an end to your cat's gastric issues. Whether combating motion sickness, acute vomiting episodes, or chronic conditions, Cerenia offers tailored relief thus ensuring your cat's comfort and well-being.
 

Primary Uses of Cerenia in cats

As a pet owner, understanding the primary uses of Cerenia can help you recognize when this medication might be beneficial for your feline companion. Let's explore the key situations where your veterinarian might recommend Cerenia as part of your cat's treatment plan.

1. Treat acute vomiting

Cerenia excels in managing acute vomiting episodes in cats, regardless of the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may prescribe this medication to treat vomiting resulting from gastrointestinal irritation, infections, or ingested toxins. Cerenia's ability to target the vomiting center in the brain makes it effective against various triggers.

When treating acute vomiting, your vet will consider factors such as your cat's overall health, the severity of symptoms, and potential underlying conditions. Cerenia may be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies to address the root cause of vomiting. Its rapid onset of action provides quick relief, often allowing your cat to retain fluids and medications necessary for recovery.

2. Prevent vomiting

Cerenia's preventive capabilities make it an invaluable tool in managing cats prone to vomiting. Your veterinarian may recommend Cerenia to prevent vomiting in various situations, such as before:

• Car trips

• Veterinary visits

• Surgeries

• Chemotherapy sessions

• Diagnostic imaging that requires contrast agents.

When using Cerenia for vomiting prevention, timing is crucial. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions on when to administer the prescription medication for optimal effectiveness. Typically, you'll give Cerenia at least two hours before the anticipated trigger or event. This allows the medication to reach therapeutic levels in your cat's system, providing maximum protection against vomiting.
 

How Cerenia Works in Cats

Cerenia's primary mechanism of action involves targeting the vomiting center in your cat's central nervous system. As a selective neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, Cerenia blocks substance P, a key neurotransmitter involved in the vomiting reflex. Your cat's brain relies on substance P to initiate the complex process of vomiting.

The vomiting center, located in the medulla oblongata of your cat's brain, coordinates the various muscles and organs involved in the act of vomiting. Cerenia's ability to target this specific area makes it highly effective in controlling vomiting from various causes. Cerenia addresses the root of the problem at the neurological level. This central action allows Cerenia to provide comprehensive protection against vomiting, regardless of the initial trigger.

Dosage and Administration of Cerenia for Cats

When administering Cerenia to your feline companion, precise dosing and proper administration techniques are crucial for optimal effectiveness. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions tailored to your cat's needs, but understanding the general guidelines can help you ensure the best possible care for your pet.

Recommended Cerenia Dosage

The standard recommended dosage of Cerenia for cats is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight.

The recommended Cerenia dosage of 1mg per kg has been established through extensive clinical trials and research to provide effective antiemetic action with minimal risk of side effects. Your veterinarian will calculate the exact dose based on your cat's current weight, ensuring accurate and safe administration.

Injectable Cerenia is typically administered at the same 1 mg/kg dosage, but the volume will be calculated based on the concentration of the injectable solution. Always follow your veterinarian's specific dosing instructions, as they may adjust the dosage based on your cat's individual health status and the condition being treated.
 

Cerenia Administration Methods

Ensuring the proper administration of Cerenia is crucial for its effectiveness in treating your cat's nausea and vomiting. Administration methods include:

1. Oral Administration Methods

Cats Cerenia tablets offer a convenient option for at-home administration. You should give the prescribed dose once daily, with or without food, as directed by your veterinarian. Some cats may resist taking pills, so your vet might suggest techniques to ease administration, such as using pill pockets or crushing the tablet and mixing it with a small amount of food.

When giving Cerenia tablets, ensure your cat consumes the entire dose. If your cat vomits within an hour of administration, consult your veterinarian about repeating the dose. For ongoing treatment or preventive use, such as before travel, follow your vet's instructions on timing and duration of administration.

2. Injectable Methods

Injectable Cerenia is typically administered by your veterinarian in a clinical setting. The standard method involves subcutaneous (SC) injection of 1 mg/kg of Cerenia Injectable solution (10 mg/mL). This route ensures rapid absorption and effective plasma concentration levels, making it ideal for acute cases or when oral administration is not feasible.

A recent study explored diluting Cerenia with lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) before SC administration. When diluted in 10 mL/kg of LRS, the absorption rate slows, potentially prolonging the drug's effects. However, this method also reduces the maximum plasma concentration by about 26%.

3. For Kittens and Senior Cats

Your veterinary professional may take extra precautions when prescribing Cerenia for very young kittens or senior cats. In kittens, their developing organ systems will act as a major factor when prescribing their Cerenia dosage.

Senior cats will require dosage adjustments based on their overall health status and any concurrent medications for issues such as gastrointestinal obstruction. With your vet's professional guidance, Cerenia can be beneficial in the kitten's development stages or in managing senior cat's overall health.
  

Drug Interactions and Precautions

When administering Cerenia to your cat, you must be aware of potential interactions with other protein-bound drugs. Cerenia has a high affinity for plasma proteins, which can lead to competition with other medications for binding sites. Common protein-bound drugs that may interact with Cerenia include certain antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some heart medications.
 

Conclusion

As a responsible pet owner, your goal is to ensure your feline companions lead comfortable, happy lives. FDA-approved Cerenia plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, offering peace of mind and tangible results. So, the next time your cat shows signs of nausea or vomiting, remember that with Cerenia, you can restore harmony to your cat's digestive world.

References:

1. Boukaache, Y., Ferret, M., Khoukh, V., Enache, A., Iwaszkiw, D., Bertin, S., & Bruno, F. (2022). Evaluation of the efficacy of transdermal administration of maropitant in managing vomiting in cats. Open Veterinary Journal, 12, 618 - 621. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i5.4.

2. Hickman, M., Cox, S., Mahabir, S., Miskell, C., Lin, J., Bunger, A., & McCall, R. (2008). Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK-1 receptor antagonist maropitant (Cerenia) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats.. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 31 3, 220-9 . https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2885.2008.00952.x.

3. Hotel, B. H., & Tams, T. R. (2016). UPDATES IN CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY OF DOGS AND CATS.

4. Quimby, J. M., Brock, W. T., Moses, K., Bolotin, D., & Patricelli, K. (2015). Chronic use of maropitant for the management of vomiting and inappetence in cats with chronic kidney disease: a blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 17(8), 692-697.

5. Yee, D., Ochigbo, G., Menard, J., & Rosa, B. (2023). Dilution of maropitant (Cerenia) in lactated Ringer solution prolongs subcutaneous drug absorption and reduces maximum plasma concentration.. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1-6 . https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.09.0409.

6. De Santis, F., Boari, A., Dondi, F., & Crisi, P. E. (2022). Drug-dosing adjustment in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Animals, 12(3), 262.

7. Medicine, C. for V. (2023). FDA Approves First Generic Maropitant Citrate Tablets for Use in Dogs to Prevent Vomiting. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-generic-maropitant-citrate-tablets-use-dogs-prevent-vomiting