Active ingredient

Maropitant for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.Updated 2 Nov 20261 source

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].

Drug class: Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist antiemetic
Sourced doses for: Dogs, Cats
Brands on this site: Cerenia

Maropitant dose calculator

Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.

Maropitant 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

What maropitant is used for

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

How maropitant works (mechanism of action)

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

Safety, contraindications and precautions

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

Brands that contain maropitant

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Cerenia	Zoetis	Maropitant	USA (FDA label)

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].

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

CERENIA (maropitant citrate) injection — labelDailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Zoetis · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
Each mL contains 10 mg of maropitant as maropitant citrate.
subcutaneously at 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb) equal to 0.1 mL/kg (0.1 mL/2.2 lb) of body weight once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.
Maropitant is a neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist which acts by inhibiting the binding of substance P
The safe use of CERENIA Injectable Solution has not been evaluated in dogs or cats with gastrointestinal obstruction

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.