Maropitant Citrate

Gastrointestinal

An antiemetic that works by blocking neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors, preventing the neurotransmitter 'substance P' from binding in the brain's vomiting center, thereby stopping vomiting of both central and peripheral origin. It is used in dogs and cats.

Drug class
Gastrointestinal
Registered species
2
Recorded effects
16
Related products
0

Pharmacological information

A class-level scientific overview for general reference — no doses. The ultimate reference is always the locally approved product leaflet and consultation with a veterinarian.

Mechanism of action

An antiemetic that works by blocking neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors, preventing the neurotransmitter 'substance P' from binding in the brain's vomiting center, thereby stopping vomiting of both central and peripheral origin. It is used in dogs and cats.

Indications

  • Prevention and treatment of vomiting (including motion sickness and chemotherapy-associated vomiting)

Contraindications & warnings

  • Caution in hepatic impairment (it is metabolized in the liver)
  • It should not mask an obstructive cause of vomiting that requires intervention — the cause is diagnosed

Drug interactions

  • Caution when combined with other drugs that are highly plasma-protein bound

Recorded adverse effects

openFDA veterinary reports — the numbers are report counts, not a severity rate.

Dogs

Vomiting2,904
Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')1,622
Diarrhoea1,408
Anorexia1,241
Death by euthanasia1,038
Lack of efficacy - NOS1,026
Death943
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)928

Cats

Vomiting647
Anorexia461
Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')426
Not eating386
Death by euthanasia373
Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in Neurological)342
Lack of efficacy - NOS332
Weight loss321

Sources