Stop the Vomiting
Maropitant (Cerenia) is a NK1-receptor antagonist that inhibits neurotransmission through the emetic center of the brainstem. This article reports on a large study of its use as in dogs with a wide range of diseases that cause vomiting. In phase I , dogs were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to be given either maropitant or metoclopramide; then hospitalized and videotaped for the first 24 hours. In phase II, dogs were hospitalized only if it was clinically warranted. In both phases, dogs were given either maropitant (1 mg/kg/day SC) or metoclopramide (1 mg/kg/day SC or PO for 3-5 days, divided into 2-3 doses/day). In phase I, 97% of dogs receiving maropitant did not vomit afterward compared with 71% with metoclopramide. The mean number of vomiting episodes was significantly reduced in the maropitant group. In phase II, maropitant was more effective than metoclopramide in treating vomiting on each day of the study. In both studies, vomiting from a variety of causes was more effectively treated with a single daily dose of maropitant than with metoclopramide given 2 or 3 times daily. Study by Pfizer Ltd, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Sandwich, Kent, UK
COMMENTARY: Since vomiting is one of the most common reasons dogs are taken to the veterinarian, this antiemetic is great news for practitioners.
The antiemetic efficacy of maropitant (Cerenia) in the treatment of ongoing emesis caused by a wide range of underlying clinical aetiologies in canine patients in Europe. de la Puente-Redondo VA, Siedek EM, Bencharoui HA, et al. J Small Anim Pract 48:93-98, 2007.