FDA Approves Maropitant Citrate Injectable Solution

U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Emeprev, a maropitant citrate injectable solution from Dechra, for the prevention and treatment of vomiting in dogs and cats. Emeprev is the first FDA-approved bioequivalent injectable alternative to the most widely used veterinary antiemetic, offering comparable efficacy with a different preservative. Unlike the pioneer product, Emeprev contains benzyl alcohol, which research shows can reduce injection-site pain due to its local anesthetic properties.

A 2018 blinded, randomized crossover study in healthy beagle dogs found the benzyl alcohol–preserved formulation caused significantly less pain than the metacresol-preserved version, including Zoetis’ Cerenia. Emeprev does not require refrigeration, helping clinics streamline workflows. It is indicated for vomiting in cats four months and older and for acute vomiting in dogs, with specific age and administration guidelines. The product will be available through major Veterinary distributors in early 2026.