How Does Cerenia Help Cats?
Cerenia is a veterinary medication prescribed to reduce vomiting, nausea, pain and inflammation related to conditions such as acute feline pancreatitis. Veterinarians administer Cerenia injections to cats that are at least 4 months old. Maropitant citrate is the generic name for the medication, which is the first of its kind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved.
There are various reasons why cats vomit, including parasitic infections, diseases and conditions such as acute and chronic pancreatitis. Multiple episodes of intense vomiting over hours or days are a symptom of feline pancreatitis, which can lead to dehydration quickly. Other acute pancreatitis symptoms can accompany feline vomiting, such as lack of energy, depressed appetite, diarrhea, pain and weight loss. Some veterinarians treat cats with Cerenia for extended periods to prevent recurring flare-ups of low-grade inflammation and vomiting, which are symptoms of chronic pancreatitis.
Animal doctors typically administer the Cerenia injectable solution in subcutaneous daily doses of 1 milligram per kilogram of cat weight for five consecutive days. Research has not established whether or not it is safe to administer Cerenia to cats that have ingested poisons, have obstructions of their gastrointestinal systems, or are pregnant or lactating, as of 2015. Human skin exposed to Cerenia may develop allergic reactions, and the medication can cause skin sensitivity with continual exposure.
