Maropitant

Maropitant In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the vomiting reflex through the blockade of NK-1 receptors located in the medullary vomiting centre.
• The compound in question has a high degree of protein binding and possesses a prolonged duration of activity lasting for a period of 24 hours.
• There is currently no evidence to suggest that maropitant possesses any prokinetic properties.

Uses of Maropitant

• The management and prophylaxis of emesis in canines encompass cases induced by chemotherapy and motion sickness (although not all medications are explicitly approved for these indications).
• Maropitant exhibits favourable tolerability and demonstrates robust antiemetic efficacy in feline.

Dose of Maropitant in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Vomiting: 1 mg/kg i.v. or s.c. q24h or 2 mg/kg p.o. q24h.
• Motion sickness: tablets at a dose rate of 8 mg/kg q24h for a maximum of 2 days given 1 hour before the journey.
• Prevention of chemotherapy-induced emesis: 1 mg/kg s.c. q24h or 2 mg/kg p.o. q24h, given at least 1 hour in advance.

Cats:

• Vomiting: 1 mg/kg i.v., s.c. or p.o. q24h.

Side Effects of Maropitant in Dogs and Cats

• The presence of transient pain reaction upon injection is commonly recorded, particularly in cats.
• Excessive dosages administered to felines have the potential to induce hemolysis.
• The administration of the substance at lower temperatures has the potential to mitigate the pain experienced during injection.

Contraindications of Maropitant in Dogs and Cats

• There are no explicit contraindications, however, it is advisable to use caution while administering maropitant in cases where there may be gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation.
• Additionally, it is recommended to avoid prolonged usage of maropitant for more than 48 hours in the absence of a clear diagnosis.
• The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism, hence it is advisable to use caution when administering it to patients with hepatic illness.

Some Notes:

• There is a lack of compatibility studies available, hence it is advised not to mix the injection with any other substance.
• The concurrent use of maropitant with calcium-channel antagonists is not recommended due to maropitant’s affinity for calcium channels.
• This substance exhibits a high affinity for plasma proteins and has the potential to engage in competitive interactions with other medications that also have a high binding affinity.