# Maropitant for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Maropitant is an NK1 receptor antagonist antiemetic; the injection is given at 1 mg/kg once daily for up to 5 days in dogs and cats.

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/maropitant/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Maropitant is an NK1 receptor antagonist antiemetic; the injection is given at 1 mg/kg once daily for up to 5 days in dogs and cats [1].

- Class: Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist antiemetic
- Brands: Cerenia

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Acute vomiting (injection) (= 0.1 mL/kg of 10 mg/mL.) | 1 mg/kg [1] | SC (2–4 months: SC only); IV over 1–2 min or SC from 4 months | Once daily · Up to 5 consecutive days | Label |
| Cats | Vomiting (injection), from 4 months (= 0.1 mL/kg of 10 mg/mL.) | 1 mg/kg [1] | IV over 1–2 min or SC | Once daily · Up to 5 consecutive days | Label |

## Uses

- Dogs: prevention and treatment of acute vomiting [1].
- Cats: treatment of vomiting [1].

## Mechanism of action

Maropitant blocks the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor, stopping the binding of substance P [1].

## Safety

- Bone marrow hypocellularity was seen in puppies younger than 11 weeks [1].
- Not evaluated with gastrointestinal obstruction; use with caution with hepatic dysfunction [1].


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the maropitant injection dose?

1 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of the 10 mg/mL injection) once daily for up to 5 days, in dogs and cats [1].

## References

[1] CERENIA (maropitant citrate) injection — label — DailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Zoetis (2026). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6aeda328-97c9-4868-8ecb-b3a4dcdbc0a0

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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