Serenia for dogs

Serenia is an effective antiemetic used to treat motion sickness and vomiting of various origins in dogs. It can help alleviate pets' symptoms in cases of poisoning, viral gastrointestinal diseases, and chemotherapy. The formula for this medication was developed by specialists from the American company Zoetis Inc., formerly owned by the major international corporation Pfizer PGM.

Composition and features

The medication is available in two forms: an injection solution and tablets. Each form has its own characteristics. For example, tablets are recommended for motion sickness, while injections are recommended for severe vomiting.

Injection solution

It is a clear, light-yellow liquid. The medicinal liquid is packaged in glass vials, which are sealed with rubber stoppers. Each vial contains 20 ml. Each vial is individually packaged in a cardboard box and comes with instructions, which should be read before use.

The active ingredient in this medication is maropitant citrate. It provides the medication's antiemetic properties. The medication also contains substances that serve only ancillary functions:

• sulfobutyl ether;
• metacresol;
• water for injection.

Please note! The solution is reusable, but once the bottle is sealed, it is only good for use for 90 days. To remember the opening date, it's best to attach a sticker.

Pills

The tablets are available in four different strengths: 100, 150, 375, and 1000 mg. The only differences are in the active ingredient concentration. Each tablet contains 16, 24, 60, and 160 mg of maropitant, respectively. This variety makes it easy to find tablets for both small and large breed dogs.

The tablets are oblong and yellow. The active ingredient content is embossed on one side, making them convenient if the original cardboard packaging is lost. They are packaged in aluminum blisters of four. The composition also includes the following excipients:

• lactose monohydrate;
• sodium croscarmellose;
• magnesium stearate;
• microcrystalline cellulose;
• yellow dye.

There are no special storage conditions required, but tablets from an opened blister can only be used within 2 days, or better yet, immediately.

Price

The price of Serenia depends on the form of release:

• 20 ml bottle of solution – 4600-4700 rubles;
• 1 tablet – from 80 to 250 rubles, depending on the concentration of the active substance.

Serenia for dogs is readily available in Moscow, although not all veterinary pharmacies carry it. Residents of other regions often find the medication unavailable in pharmacies. The only option in this case is to purchase the antiemetic online, but it's best to order from trusted websites.

Properties and action

Serenia has an antiemetic effect. The active ingredient acts on the brain receptors that trigger nausea and vomiting, blocking the vomiting center. Because the medication interferes with the mechanism of vomiting, it is effective in all situations, regardless of the cause, including vestibular disorders.

When administered by injection, the active substance reaches its peak concentration in the blood in just 45 minutes. When administered by tablet, this peak occurs within 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the dose. The drug's bioavailability is 90%, meaning virtually all of the medication is absorbed and effective. Food does not affect the absorption of the active substance, so it can be taken with meals. The medication is largely eliminated from the body in the feces after being metabolized in the liver.

Please note! According to the accepted classification, this medication is classified as moderately hazardous, but when used in the recommended doses, it is not harmful to animals.

When and how to apply

Serenia is used for dogs in the following cases:

• in cases of poisoning caused by poor nutrition, bacteria or other factors;
• for pathologies of the digestive system, which are accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
• during chemotherapy during treatment of malignant tumors;
• to relieve the gag reflex that occurs after anesthesia.

The drug is also effectively used to prevent motion sickness during animal transportation. The medication can be used not only when traveling by car or by bus, but also when traveling by plane or other means of transport.

The dosage and administration schedule depend on the intended purpose. To prevent motion sickness, dogs are typically given tablets. The dosage is calculated as follows: 8 mg of active ingredient per 1 kg of body weight. The medication is administered to the pet a couple of hours before travel. It is preferable to administer it forcefully, but it can also be hidden in a treat, such as a piece of meat. The animal can be fed beforehand. One dose is usually sufficient. If the animal experiences nausea after the trip, the medication can be repeated the following day.

If the tablets are used to relieve symptoms of poisoning, gastrointestinal disorders, and other illnesses, the dosage is calculated as follows: 2 mg of the active ingredient per kilogram. The medication is administered once daily, but the duration of treatment cannot exceed 5 days.

In cases of severe vomiting, it's better to administer injections, as the animal may vomit the tablets before the active ingredient enters the bloodstream. According to the instructions for use, Serenia injections for dogs should be administered subcutaneously. The dosage is simple: 1 ml per 10 kg of body weight. Injections are administered once daily. If necessary, treatment should be continued for up to 5 days, but no longer.

Please note! Serenia can be combined with antibiotics, hepatoprotectors, antihemintics, enterosorbents, and other medications. A veterinarian should prescribe a comprehensive treatment plan.

Severe vomiting or nausea may require multiple doses. In this case, it's important to follow the dosage schedule and avoid skipping doses, as this will negatively impact the medication's effectiveness.

Contraindications and side effects

It is not recommended to use this antiemetic if the pet is allergic to the active ingredients, as Serenia will do more harm than good. It should also not be used on pets under 16 weeks of age.

The medication should not be given to pregnant females, including those suffering from morning sickness. It should also be avoided during lactation. The medication has no other contraindications, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.

The instructions state that Serenia does not cause any side effects. If the dose is significantly exceeded, diarrhea or increased salivation may occur. If the animal is intolerant to any of the ingredients, an allergy may occur. In this case, the pet should be given an antihistamine. Symptomatic medications may also be used to alleviate the animal's condition.

Please note! When using Serenia, follow the general guidelines for handling veterinary drugs. After handling the medication, be sure to wash your hands with soap.

Owner reviews

Svetlana, the Labrador's owner:

"I first learned about Serenia when my dog ​​was still a puppy. We were going to a dog show for the first time, and the journey was long and agonizing for Buddy. He almost immediately threw up his breakfast, drooling the entire way. He was simply motion sick. A friend recommended this product. Just an hour later, the dog was back to normal, and the show went well. I gave him another pill before the return trip. Buddy survived the journey home without any problems. Now we always use Serenia to prevent motion sickness."

Valery, the owner of the Alabai:

"The dog ate a sausage membrane, which caused inflammation of the stomach lining. This was accompanied by severe vomiting. Among other medications, the doctor prescribed Serenia injections. The injections were administered for three days. Thanks to this medication, we were able to stop the vomiting and ensure the dog was eating normally. It's a good, albeit expensive, remedy."

Veterinarian Reviews

Lisa, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:

"Voming (regardless of the cause) is dangerous because it can lead to dehydration, but this can be prevented with the effective medication Serenia. I've been using it in my practice for a long time and can confidently say it's the best antiemetic. The clinic always has several bottles of the solution. For motion sickness, I recommend owners use tablets. They're less expensive."

Nikolay, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:

"Sereniya is one of the best antiemetics. Its advantages include high effectiveness (it always works) and the absence of side effects (I haven't noticed any). Its disadvantages include its high cost (not affordable for everyone) and its frequent out-of-stock status in pharmacies."

Read also:

• Simparica for dogs
• Vasosan Plus for dogs
• Sedatives for dogs