Cerenia is the brand name for maropitant, an antiemetic drug used to treat and prevent vomiting in cats and dogs. Cerenia is effective at controlling vomiting caused by toxins, medications, motion sickness, and other medical conditions. It helps stop vomiting by targeting the part of the brain that causes the vomiting reflex.
Cerenia comes in several forms, one of which is a solution that can be administered as nose drops for cats. The nasal absorption means onset of action with the nose drops is faster compared to the oral tablets. The effects of Cerenia nose drops start within 30 minutes and provide 24 hours of prevention and treatment of vomiting in cats.
How Cerenia Works
Cerenia contains maropitant citrate as the active ingredient, which is a neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. Substance P is a neurotransmitter that binds to NK1 receptors in the brain, activating the vomiting reflex. By blocking NK1 receptors, Cerenia prevents substance P from binding and blocks the vomiting reflex.
Cerenia is considered a fast-acting antiemetic as it starts working within 1 to 2 hours after administration. It provides 24-hour relief from vomiting and nausea in cats. The effects of Cerenia last for around 2 days after the last dose is given.
Cerenia works by preventing both centrally-induced vomiting (vomiting originating from the brain) as well as peripherally-induced vomiting (vomiting triggered by irritation to the gastrointestinal tract). This makes it effective for treating vomiting caused by a wide range of causes like infections, inflammations, adverse reactions to medications, motion sickness, and more.
Uses of Cerenia for Cats
Cerenia is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent vomiting in cats. Some of the main uses of Cerenia for cats include:
- Prevents Vomiting from Motion Sickness: Cerenia is highly effective at preventing and treating vomiting caused by motion sickness in cats. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that control nausea and vomiting. Cerenia can be given before a car ride or plane trip to prevent cats from getting motion sickness.
- Prevents Vomiting from Chemotherapy: Cats undergoing chemotherapy treatments are at high risk of feeling nauseous and vomiting. Cerenia helps control vomiting that is induced by chemotherapy drugs. This allows cats receiving chemotherapy to tolerate the treatments better without disruptive vomiting episodes.
- Prevents Vomiting from Anesthesia: Anesthesia given before surgeries or dental procedures can cause side effects like vomiting in cats. Cerenia is often prescribed before and after anesthesia to prevent nausea and vomiting side effects. This allows cats to recover from anesthesia without vomiting complications.
Dosage for Cerenia Nose Drops
Cerenia nose drops for cats come in a 10 mg/mL solution. The usual dosage is 1 mg per cat, administered once daily. The drops can be given directly into the cat’s nostrils or applied to the cat’s upper lip so they lick it into their system when grooming.
One drop from the Cerenia nose drop bottle contains 0.05 mL solution and 0.5 mg of maropitant. So for a 1 mg dose for an average sized cat, administer 2 drops in one nostril or spread between both nostrils.
The nose drops are absorbed quickly and provide fast relief from nausea. Cats typically tolerate the nose drops well. However, a small number of cats dislike the feeling of drops in their nose. In these cases, your vet may recommend giving the Cerenia orally instead.
How to Administer Cerenia Nose Drops
Administering Cerenia nose drops to cats requires some care to avoid getting the solution in your cat’s eyes. Follow these steps:
- Hold your cat gently but firmly. You may wish to wrap your cat in a towel to keep them calm and restrain their movement.
- Tilt your cat’s head back slightly.
- Insert the dropper tip into one nostril. Aim the tip toward the center and back of the nose.
- Squeeze the dropper to administer the full prescribed dose of Cerenia in that nostril. Do not split the dose between nostrils.
- Keep your cat’s head tilted back for a few seconds to allow the drops to be absorbed.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip to your cat’s nose to prevent contamination.
- Reward your cat with treats and praise after administering the medication.
- Wash hands thoroughly after giving the medication.
Take care not to get Cerenia nose drops in your cat’s eyes. The medication can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes. Administer the full dose in one nostril to ensure your cat receives the proper amount of medication.
When to Give Cerenia
Your veterinarian will advise you on when to administer Cerenia to your cat based on their specific condition or situation. Some general guidelines on when Cerenia is commonly prescribed include:
– Before surgery: It is often given 1-2 hours prior to surgery to prevent and treat vomiting that can occur under anesthesia. This helps combat anesthetic-induced nausea.
– Before chemotherapy – Cerenia is frequently given about 1 hour before chemotherapy treatment to control nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Preventing vomiting helps maximize the effects of chemotherapy.
– Before travel – Motion sickness while traveling is common in cats. Giving Cerenia at least 1 hour before the start of travel can help prevent vomiting during the journey and keep your cat comfortable.
– For nausea and vomiting – Cerenia is used to treat and control acute vomiting in cats. It is also used to prevent vomiting associated with conditions like kidney disease. Follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions closely.
– During hospitalization – Vomiting can occur due to stress and change of environment while hospitalized. Cerenia may be administered during a hospital stay to control nausea and prevent vomiting.
Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate timing of Cerenia administration based on your cat’s specific needs and medical situation. Properly timed doses are important for achieving the anti-nausea effects.
Side Effects
Cerenia nose drops are usually well tolerated by cats, but some side effects may occur. The most common side effects include:
– Lethargy: Some cats may experience sleepiness or fatigue after receiving Cerenia. This side effect is usually mild.
– Decreased appetite: Cerenia can cause a temporary loss of appetite in some cats. This may result in reduced food intake. However, the appetite should return to normal once the medication is stopped.
– Facial irritation: The nose drops may cause irritation, redness, or itchiness around the facial area and nose. This is generally mild and should subside after administration is complete. Discontinuing use if irritation is severe.
– Reluctance to be handled: Some cats become unwilling to be handled when it’s time to administer the medication. This resistance is temporary and due to the unpleasant sensation of nose drops. Make the experience calmer by wrapping cat in a towel or blanket.
– Allergic reaction: As with any medication, an allergic reaction is possible.
In most cases, side effects are mild and resolve on their own once the treatment course is complete.
Drug Interactions
Cerenia is generally safe for use with most other medications. However, caution should be used when administering Cerenia with drugs that inhibit CYP3A4, an enzyme that helps metabolize Cerenia.
Some examples of drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 include:
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Erythromycin
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem)
These CYP3A4 inhibitor drugs can slow the breakdown of Cerenia in the body, causing higher than normal levels of Cerenia to build up. This increases the risk of side effects. Veterinarians may recommend reducing the dosage of Cerenia or monitoring cats more closely when used alongside CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Allowing 24 hours between giving Cerenia and a CYP3A4 inhibitor can also help minimize interactions. Other than CYP3A4 inhibitors, Cerenia is generally compatible with most other veterinary medicines. Monitoring for increased side effects is recommended when combining therapies.
Alternatives to Cerenia for Cats
There are a few alternatives to Cerenia for treating vomiting and nausea in cats:
- Ondansetron: Ondansetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting. It can be given orally or by injection. The oral form can be given once daily or twice daily. Ondansetron is generally well tolerated but potential side effects include diarrhea and lack of appetite.
- Dolasetron: Dolasetron is another 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that works similarly to ondansetron. It is given by injection and lasts for 12-24 hours. Dolasetron may cause some gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea or reduced appetite. It should not be used in cats with heart conditions.
- Metoclopramide: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic and antiemetic medication. It works by speeding up the movement of the digestive tract and blocking dopamine receptors. Metoclopramide can be given orally or by injection. It is usually administered two to three times daily. Side effects may include restlessness, lethargy, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal effects.
Lastly, by controlling nausea and vomiting, Cerenia improves cats’ wellbeing and quality of life during medical treatments for conditions like motion sickness, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. It helps cats avoid the discomfort of frequent vomiting episodes in these situations. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about properly giving your cat Cerenia nose drops.