Final answer:
Maropitant citrate, known as Cerenia, is an antiemetic drug used in veterinary medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats. It acts by blocking substance P at the NK-1 receptors. It should be administered with caution and is contraindicated in young animals and those with severe liver issues or known hypersensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maropitant Citrate (Cerenia)
Maropitant citrate, commonly known by the brand name Cerenia, is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats. It is particularly useful for managing motion sickness and vomiting due to various causes, including chemotherapy. The mechanism of action (MOA) of maropitant citrate involves blocking substance P, a neurotransmitter associated with inducing vomiting, at the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors in the central nervous system.
Main Use
Cerenia is primarily used to prevent acute vomiting and vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs and cats.
Precautions
Before using maropitant citrate, it is important to consult with a veterinarian. It should be used with caution in animals with liver disease, and effects on breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals have not been well studied.
Contraindications
Maropitant citrate should not be used in animals known to have hypersensitivity to the drug, and it is not recommended for use in puppies or kittens younger than 16 weeks due to the risk of potential adverse effects. It is also not advised for animals with severe hepatic insufficiency.