FDA greenlights new injectable maropitant for dogs and cats

On December 8, 2025, Dechra announced that the FDA has approved Emeprev™ (maropitant citrate) Injectable Solution. This drug is a bioequivalent form of the only other FDA-approved maropitant citrate injectable solution on the market, Cerenia (Zoetis). 

According to the approval information, Emeprev Injectable Solution is indicated for: 

• Prevention and treatment of acute vomiting in dogs 2 months of age and older 
• Treatment of vomiting in cats 4 months of age and older. 

For dogs between 2 and 4 months of age, the drug is labeled for subcutaenous administration only; for dogs 4 months of age and older and for cats, it can be administered either subcutaneously or intravenously. 

Unlike Cerenia, Emeprev requires no refrigeration. This new drug formulation also reportedly includes a preservative that, in laboratory studies, acted as a mild local anesthetic. In laboratory studies with healthy dogs, subcutaneous injections of Emeprev resulted in “significantly” less painful reactions than subcutaneous injections of Cerenia. 

Even so, a commonly reported side effect during studies with this new drug was vocalization or other signs of pain at the time of injection, the manufacturer reported. The drug should be used with caution in animals with hepatic dysfunction, and skin sensitization can occur in humans following repeated topic exposure. 

Representatives for Dechra anticipate that Emeprev will be available for order through all major distributors in early 2026.

Photo credit: Dechra

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