Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the most commonly prescribed anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication in UK veterinary practice. Manufactured by Zoetis, it is licensed for both dogs and cats and is used for motion sickness, post-operative nausea, and vomiting from various causes.

Price Comparison

Cerenia tablets (per tablet, 16mg for small dogs):

  • From your vet: £1.50–£3.50 per tablet
  • Online pharmacies (with prescription): £1–£2.50 per tablet
  • Cerenia injectable (vet-administered): £15–£40 per injection

Tablet sizes range from 16mg to 160mg, with prices increasing for larger tablets. A 4-pack of 60mg tablets costs approximately £12–£20 from online pharmacies versus £20–£35 from vets.

What Does Cerenia Treat?

  • Motion sickness: Given 2 hours before travel, highly effective for car sickness in dogs
  • Acute vomiting: Treats vomiting from gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, medication side effects, and other causes
  • Post-operative nausea: Often given as an injection before surgery
  • Nausea from chemotherapy or other medications

Species and Forms

  • Dogs: Tablets (16mg, 24mg, 60mg, 160mg) for home use; injectable solution at the vet
  • Cats: Injectable solution only (tablets are not licensed for cats in the UK, though some vets prescribe off-label)

Side Effects

  • Generally very well tolerated
  • Occasional drooling or lip-licking when tablets are given (bitter taste)
  • Mild lethargy
  • Injection can cause a brief sting
  • Not recommended for puppies under 8 weeks or kittens under 16 weeks

Prescription Requirements

Cerenia is POM-V. You need a veterinary prescription, after which you can buy from online pharmacies. If your dog suffers from regular car sickness, one prescription covers 6 months of tablets.

How to Save

  • Written prescription: Buy tablets online and save 30–50% compared to vet prices
  • Buy larger tablet sizes: If your dog needs less than a full tablet, splitting larger tablets is often cheaper per mg
  • Motion sickness: For occasional travel sickness, buy a small supply so tablets don't expire before use
  • Compare prices: Use VetCost to compare pharmacy prices

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VMD product datasheet, CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost pharmacy data.