Maropitant

Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist, Antiemetic (Systemic Drug)

Prescriber Highlights

• Veterinary-approved antiemetic for dogs 8 weeks of age or older and cats 16 weeks of age or older

• Acts at the emetic center and is effective for antiemesis both peripherally and centrally

• Subcutaneous injection is FDA-approved for prevention and treatment of acute vomiting in dogs and treatment of vomiting in cats

• The oral dose is higher than the subcutaneous dose because of decreased oral bioavailability

• Refrigerating the injectable solution may reduce pain at the injection site. Solution needs to be stored in the refrigerator after first vial puncture.

Uses, Indications

• The injectable solution is indicated for dogs 8 weeks of age or older for prevention and treatment of acute vomiting

• Oral tablets are indicated for prevention of acute vomiting and motion sickness with vomiting in dogs

• The injectable solution is approved for treatment of vomiting in cats 16 weeks of age or older

Contraindications, Precautions, Warnings

• Contraindications

If vomiting persists despite treatment, further evaluation for an underlying cause is warranted

• Precautions

Use with caution in patients with hepatic disease because maropitant is hepatically metabolized

• Warnings

Use with caution in puppies less than 11 weeks of age; higher frequency and greater severity of histologic evidence of bone marrow hypoplasia has been observed in puppies treated with maropitant

Side Effects

• Well tolerated in most patients

• Swelling and pain at the injection site have been reported in dogs following SQ administration

• Pretravel vomiting and hypersalivation are the most common side effects seen after oral administration at the dose motion sickness prevention requires

Drug Interactions

• Biotransformed in the liver by CYP450 enzymes and highly protein bound and therefore susceptible to various drug interactions (eg, chloramphenicol, phenobarbital, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, NSAIDs); however, specific drug interactions have yet to be investigated

Monitoring

• Clinical efficacy is measured by decreased frequency of vomiting and side effects

Client Information

• Vomiting may occur after administration, so giving the medication with a small meal may help

• If splitting tablets, wrap remaining portions tightly in foil until they are used

Dosage Forms

• Maropitant citrate injectable solution: 10 mg/mL

• Maropitant citrate oral tablets: 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg, 160 mg

Compiled and summarized from Plumbs Veterinary Drugs by Shannon Palermo, VMD

Information about this drug was adapted from Plumbs Veterinary Drugs. Further details and more therapeutics can be found with a subscription at plumbsveterinarydrugs.com