"Serenia": instructions for use of a veterinary drug

Serenia is touted as an antiemetic for dogs. The drug is a unique development with a special effect on the body. It will save pets from nausea due to motion sickness and gastrointestinal pathologies. But his price is steep. Therefore, many owners are looking for cheaper analogues.

In this review, we’ll look at whether Serenia really has no equal, whether it can be replaced with cheaper medications, and how it works. We will also look into the specifics of using the medication, learn about possible side effects and the opinions of dog owners.

Release form and composition

The veterinary drug Serenia is an innovative antiemetic drug developed specifically for international dogs (formerly included in). Unlike other similar drugs (drugs), it does not enhance gastrointestinal motility, but only blocks nerve receptors that cause nausea.

The drug is produced in 2 forms:

1. 
   Solution

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   . 1 ml contains 10 mg of the active substance - maropitant citrate, and auxiliary components: sodium β-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether (63 mg), water for injection (up to 1 ml). Packaged in 20 ml bottles, the average cost of one is 4,700 rubles.

2. 
   Pills

   . Includes the main active ingredient maropitant citrate and auxiliary ingredients: magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, dye E110. Capsules are packaged in aluminum blisters of 4 pieces.

Tablets are produced in 4 dosages:

• 16 mg – average price 210 rubles;
• 24 mg – 275 rubles;
• 60 mg – 385 rubles;
• 160 mg – 870 rubles.

Indications for use

Sereniya is used for dogs to prevent and stop vomiting of various origins when:

• kinetosis - motion sickness syndrome: in a car, train, plane;
• poisoning – food and chemical;
• infectious diseases accompanied by vomiting: enteritis, hepatitis, leptospirosis, etc.;
• chemotherapy.

Drugs are also prescribed after anesthesia to prevent vomiting.

It should be understood that vomiting is only a sign of one of the diseases. And Serenia is a symptomatic remedy that relieves an acute condition. With the exception of kinetosis, the dog must be examined and comprehensive treatment carried out, since nausea indicates one of the pathologies:

• helminthic infestation;
• intoxication;
• problems with the digestive system;
• damage to the central nervous system.

In all these conditions, it is important to promptly eliminate vomiting, as it can lead to dehydration and water-electrolyte imbalance. Serenia is prescribed for this purpose.

Veterinarian's opinion

Vitaly Borisovich

I work in a veterinary clinic and my colleagues and I often discuss various drugs for treating animals. Not long ago they talked about Serenia, which is given to pets to eliminate vomiting. This is an effective drug that can stop vomiting of any origin, even that caused by disorders of the vestibular system. Serenia begins to act quickly, and none of us have encountered any side effects from taking it. In most cases, people bring cats to us with viral infections and gastrointestinal problems. And we prescribe taking this medicine in combination with other drugs for one or a couple of days, and in especially serious cases, when vomiting becomes protracted, we extend the course to five days. Some cat owners like to prescribe treatment for their pets on their own, without rushing to consult with us, and this only causes harm. After all, there are diseases in which the administration of an antiemetic is a mandatory condition of treatment to prevent dehydration, and ordinary people (not veterinarians) may not know about this. And for those cats that do not tolerate transportation well, Sereniya tablets are excellent.

How it works

The active ingredient of the drug is maropitant citrate, an antagonist of neurokinin receptors. It blocks nerve impulses that pass through the vomiting center in the brain and thereby prevents nausea, regardless of its cause.

Maropitant citrate quickly reaches its maximum concentration in the body: after 45 minutes when the solution is administered and 1.5-2 hours after taking the tablets. On average, after an hour, the dog stops vomiting and his condition returns to normal .

How to give gray to a cat: different methods of administering medicine to cats

Serenia can be administered to a cat in two different ways.

If you are more comfortable, or if you are professionally unable to give Serenia, you can make an appointment at the clinic to have your cat receive the injection at the veterinarian's office. On the other hand, if you feel comfortable giving Serenia to your cat, you can do it from the comfort of your home using tablets.

There are two main ways to give Serenia tablets to cats. You can buy a device called a pill dispenser for obvious reasons. Essentially, this tool allows the pill to fall down the very back of your cat's throat and ensures that your cat swallows the pill. Another way to administer the cat pill is with your fingers, although this can sometimes be a slightly problematic approach.

Sometimes our fingers can get in the way because our hands are much larger than a cat's mouth. However, don't feel like you absolutely have to go out and buy a pill dispenser to get your cat to take Serenia pills. With patience and enough practice, your cat will get used to it and learn that this is just a new part of his or her daily life!

Serenia is generally used as a method of prevention

, which means you should definitely prescribe your pet's medication before motion sickness occurs. For example, if you are going on a road trip and expect your cat to feel nauseated as a result of the car ride, you should give your cat the appropriate dose of Cerenia Cat Nausea Prevention Tablets about two hours before the start of the trip.

It is also important to note that Serenia is best taken with cat food. Ironically, administering Serenia to your cat on an empty stomach may cause more nausea than allowing it to occur! Traveling on an empty stomach also reduces the likelihood of your cat vomiting.

Instructions for use and dosage

According to the official instructions, the dosage, indications and features of the use of Serenia solution and tablets are different.

Thus, the solution is prescribed mainly for pathologies complicated by vomiting: intoxication, infectious diseases, helminthic infestations, etc. The suspension is administered subcutaneously at the rate of 1 ml per 10 kg of pet weight or 1 mg per 1 kg. Injections are given once a day, the maximum duration of treatment is 5 days.

Tablets are mainly used:

• to prevent motion sickness in transport at the rate of 8 mg per 1 kg;
• for mild poisoning - at a dosage of 2 mg per 1 kg of dog weight.

Detailed dose calculations are shown in the tables.

With kinetosis:

For vomiting of another origin:

To prevent kinetosis, the tablet is given as follows:

• no later than 1 hour and no earlier than 10 hours before the planned trip;
• before taking the drug, the animal is given some easily digestible food or treats;
• The capsule cannot be given with food or hidden in a treat - it is forcibly injected onto the root of the tongue, the mouth is closed and the dog is waited for the medicine to be swallowed.

Sereniya tablets are used once a day: once, maximum twice. With a long course of treatment with maropitant, citrate accumulates in the body and is not completely eliminated.

Overdose

Overdose often does not cause serious complications. Use beyond the recommended treatment duration may also be safe if the usual dosage is used.

At very high doses of 39.8 – 49.9 mg/kg once daily, the following adverse effects were observed:

• decreased heart rate,
• weight loss,
• weakness,
• fatigue,
• vomit,
• diarrhea,
• salivation,
• hypokalemia,
• leukopenia.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug Sereniya, in terms of the degree of impact on the body, belongs to hazard class 3 according to GOST 12.1.007-76 - moderately hazardous substances. The medication is generally safe. It can be combined with any other medications, has almost no contraindications and rarely causes negative reactions.

Please note that drugs should not be given to:

• pregnant dogs;
• lactating bitches;
• puppies up to 4 months;
• animals with intolerance to the components of the drug.

Sometimes allergic reactions develop to the drug. In this case, stop treatment and prescribe antihistamines and symptomatic drugs.

Also, the use of tablets at a dose higher than 20 mg per 1 kg can cause diarrhea or hypersalivation - increased salivation.

Side effects

The use of the drug did not reveal any complications or side effects.

An allergic reaction to individual components of the drug may occur . It is permissible to take antihistamines and treat allergy symptoms. You should strictly adhere to the order of taking the drug and not exceed the indicated dosage. In some cases, animals may experience increased salivation or diarrhea. In this case, experts recommend stopping taking the drug Serenia and choosing another antiemetic veterinary drug.

Interaction with other drugs

The use of the drug is possible only after visiting a veterinarian. It is not recommended to use if the dog has liver, heart and vascular diseases.

The drug can be used simultaneously with antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs .

Analogues of the drug

Sereniya is a unique drug. There are no other medications that would only affect nerve impulses and not affect the functioning of the digestive system. And among veterinary drugs, only Reisfit can replace the development from Zoetis. In other cases, dogs are given medicine for humans.

Sereniya is an effective anti-vomiting drug for cats.

According to the instructions, serenia for cats

- This is a very important drug that should be in any veterinary clinic. Vomiting is not only an unattractive word, but also a very unpleasant circumstance. When it comes to cats, vomiting happens when they have an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting after feeding. Since cats are curious little creatures, they are obliged to try to end at least one of their nine mythical lives.

Do you have a cat that is experiencing nausea? Is your kitten vomiting lately? Is this abnormal behavior for your little pet? Not sure what to do when it comes to solving your furball's vomiting problem? Then this instruction was written especially for you. You may or may not have heard of an antiemetic drug called Serenia? We will try to resolve any questions regarding the use of this drug in cats.

Owner reviews

Elena: “Our sneeze makes us sick even on a bicycle. We tried all means and methods: only Serenia saves. With this drug, the dog does not vomit or feel sick, only drooling heavily. We try not to carry the dog around too much, but in the summer we have to move to a village 150 km away.”

Svetlana: “Serenia didn’t help us. My dog ​​has a hereditary intolerance to travel: she got it from her dad, who also vomits a lot in the car. The drug was of no use: the pet lay on the seat like a rag, drooled in streams and vomited.”

Rima: “A magic drug. They couldn’t stop the dog’s vomiting for two days. After one injection at the vet everything stopped. The doctor says that he uses Serenia only for seriously ill patients, since the drug is expensive.”

For the prevention and treatment of acute vomiting in dogs (CERENIA injection):

Dogs aged 2 to 4 months: administer Serenium injection solution subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mg/kg equal to 0.1 ml/kg body weight once daily for up to 5 consecutive days. Dogs 4 months and older: Administration of Serenium injection solution intravenously over 1-2 minutes or subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mg/kg equal to 0.1 ml/1 kg body weight once daily for up to 5 consecutive days. In animals with active vomiting, it is recommended to begin treatment with Sereniya injection solution. CERENIA tablets can then be given and can be used to prevent acute vomiting at a dose of 2 mg/kg once daily.

For the prevention of vomiting in dogs 4 months of age and older caused by ingestion of emetics or chemotherapy drugs: Administration of Serenium injection solution intravenously over 1-2 minutes

or subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight once, 45-60 minutes before the use of emetics or chemotherapy. For the treatment of vomiting in cats 4 months of age and older (Cerenia injection): Administer CERENIA injection solution intravenously over 1 to 2 minutes or subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb) equal to 0.1 mL/ kg body weight once a day for up to 5 days in a row.

The underlying cause of acute vomiting should be identified and treated in animals receiving CERENIA injection solution. If vomiting persists despite treatment, the case should be re-evaluated.

INFORMATION FOR USE: If vomiting persists despite treatment, the case should be re-evaluated. Serenia is most effective in preventing chemotherapy-associated vomiting when administered before the chemotherapy agent. For dogs, CERENIA injection solution can be used interchangeably with once-daily dosing tablets to prevent acute vomiting.

WARNINGS: Not for use on humans. Keep out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, consult a doctor. Topical exposure may cause local allergic skin reactions in some people. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause skin sensitization. Wash your hands with soap and water after taking this medicine. CERENIA is also an eye irritant. In case of accidental contact with eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes. and seek medical help.

CERENIA tablets cause a dose-related decrease in appetite and body weight.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (CERENIA Injectable for Animals): Pain or vocalization after injection resolves within minutes without treatment. Administration of Serenium injection solution at a cooled temperature may mitigate this response. Allergic reactions usually resolve after treatment within 48 hours of stopping the drug.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Can an opened drug be used?

Sereniya does not lose its properties when properly stored. Thus, the tablet removed from the blister can be used within 2 days. And the solution, after the first withdrawal from the bottle, lasts for 3 months: the main thing is, after piercing the lid, close it with adhesive tape and store at a temperature of 3-25°C.

Can a puppy dog ​​have Serenia?

No, the drug is prohibited for pregnant and lactating bitches, as it is harmful to fetuses and newborn puppies. But a veterinarian can prescribe drugs if the pet’s life is at risk and other medications do not help.

Planning a train trip for several days with your dog? Can I give her the pills all the time?

You can’t: in this case, the drug accumulates in the body. It is allowed to feed a maximum of 2 tablets in a row for 2 days, after which a break is needed for 72 hours. In addition, the medication lasts for at least 12 hours, so there is no need to continuously give the animal pills.

The dog is vomiting severely. What is better: giving an injection or giving a pill?

In case of prolonged, profuse vomiting, it is better to give an injection: it will act 2-3 times faster. In addition, the dog may vomit the tablet during the next attack.

When to use gray cat?

Serenia should be used in this case

if your cat has nausea or motion sickness symptoms. There are parameters that you should follow in terms of Serenia dosages and how often you should give them the medication. Serenia is a medicine that you should keep in mind and use only as directed by your veterinarian.

According to the label, Serenia is an effective solution for vomiting and is also the only FDA-approved treatment for vomiting in cats. Sometimes vomiting is a problem in itself and in these cases, vomiting can be treated with serenia. In other cases, vomiting is simply a symptom of something more serious. Serenia can still help with the situation by stopping the vomiting and visiting a veterinarian to determine what is causing your pet's illness.

conclusions

Serenia is an excellent antiemetic drug.
He quickly stops vomiting, even when other medications are powerless. Over several years of use in my practice, only a few animals developed mild allergic reactions, which quickly passed. The main advantage of Serenia is that it does not cause drowsiness. The dog remains active during the trip. In addition, the drug is safe, does not increase gastrointestinal upset and is allowed for puppies from 16 weeks. However, it is common for dogs to drool excessively.

Considering the high price of the drug, I use it mainly only for vomiting caused by intoxication and infectious diseases. And the veterinary analogue Reisfit or the “human” Cerucal or Metoclopramide cope perfectly with motion sickness.

Also, when administered subcutaneously, a burning sensation often occurs. It goes away in 5-10 minutes, but the dog needs to be well secured so that it does not break out. This can be avoided by administering the solution intravenously, after diluting it with saline to achieve an analgesic effect.

Keep in mind that most cases of kinetosis are caused not by a weak vestibular apparatus, but by stress. Therefore, in addition to Serenia, I recommend gradually accustoming dogs to travel, developing positive associations, finding a place in the car where the pet is less sick, and eliminating all strong odors - tobacco, perfume, air freshener.

Compatibility, storage conditions and analogues

Some medications, with the permission of the veterinarian, can be taken by the animal in parallel with this one.
Complex effects of drugs on the animal’s body are allowed. “Serenium” is combined with antiparasitic and bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. However, before combining several medications and choosing analogues for your cat, you should consult with your veterinarian.

The medicine has no analogues, but you can choose a substitute, a drug with another main component, for example, Beaphar or human Dramamine. “Serenia” has a shelf life of 3 years, which after opening the package is reduced to 2 days. Storage should be ensured in a cool, dry place, protected from the sun and moisture, away from food and feed, out of reach of children and animals. The optimal temperature is 0–25 °C.