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Maropitant

PrescriptionCDSCO approved

Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (antiemetic)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Blocks substance P at NK1 receptors in the emetic centre and CTZ, providing broad-spectrum antiemetic activity including motion sickness

At a glance

Class

Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (antiemetic)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Injectable: do not refrigerate (crystals form below 5°C)

CDSCO (India)

Vet-approved — 2010-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Acute vomiting

Dose

1–2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

60 mg

Duration: Up to 5 days SC

Acute vomiting (oral)

Dose

2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

60 mg

Duration: Up to 5 days

Motion sickness prevention

Dose

8 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID (give 2h before travel)

Max dose

240 mg

Duration: As needed

🐈

Cat

Acute vomiting

Dose

1 mg/kg

Route

SC, IV

Frequency

SID

Max dose

10 mg

Duration: Up to 5 days

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 1

Strength

10mg/mL

Available in India

💊

Tablet — 4

Strength

16mg

Available in India

Strength

24mg

Available in India

Strength

60mg

Available in India

Strength

160mg

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Injectable: do not refrigerate (crystals form below 5°C)

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Puppies <8 weeks or kittens <16 weeks
Safety not established; bone marrow effects reported in juvenile dogs

Use with caution

Hepatic disease
Hepatically metabolised — protein binding may be altered
GI obstruction (as sole treatment)
Antiemetics should not mask surgical conditions — always investigate underlying cause

Adverse effects

Common

Pain at SC injection site

Hypersalivation (oral)

Diarrhoea

Serious

Bone marrow hypoplasia in young puppies

Hypotension (IV bolus)

Monitoring parameters

Vomiting frequencyUnderlying cause investigationBlood pressure if IV use

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 3

Morphine Sulfate

moderate

Maropitant inhibits CYP enzymes that metabolize some opioids, potentially increasing opioid plasma levels. Also synergistic antiemetic effect (desired).

Management: Antiemetic co-administration is standard practice. Monitor for increased sedation. Clinical significance of PK interaction is modest.

Dexmedetomidine

moderate

Maropitant inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, potentially increasing dexmedetomidine plasma levels modestly.

Management: Usually clinically insignificant. May contribute to slightly prolonged sedation.

Apomorphine

moderate

Maropitant (NK1 antagonist) may reduce but does not completely block apomorphine-induced emesis (apomorphine acts primarily on D2 receptors in CTZ, not NK1).

Management: Maropitant has less antagonism of apomorphine than antiemetics acting on D2 receptors. However, prior maropitant may still reduce emetic efficacy.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Cerenia

Zoetis

India

Cerenia

Zoetis

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Maropitant?

Maropitant is a neurokinin-1 (nk1) receptor antagonist (antiemetic) used in pets. Blocks substance P at NK1 receptors in the emetic centre and CTZ, providing broad-spectrum antiemetic activity including motion sickness

›What is Maropitant used for in pets?

Maropitant is used in veterinary medicine for: Acute vomiting; Acute vomiting (oral); Motion sickness prevention.

›What is the Maropitant dose for dogs?

For dogs, Maropitant is typically dosed as follows — Acute vomiting: 1–2 mg/kg SC SID; Acute vomiting (oral): 2 mg/kg PO SID; Motion sickness prevention: 8 mg/kg PO SID (give 2h before travel). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Maropitant dose for cats?

For cats, Maropitant is typically dosed as follows — Acute vomiting: 1 mg/kg SC/IV SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Maropitant?

Common: Pain at SC injection site, Hypersalivation (oral), Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bone marrow hypoplasia in young puppies, Hypotension (IV bolus).

›Does Maropitant need a prescription?

Yes. Maropitant is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Maropitant not be used?

Do not use Maropitant if: Puppies <8 weeks or kittens <16 weeks.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database