Capromorelin

Appetite Stimulant (Systemic Drug)

Prescriber Highlights

• FDA-approved to stimulate appetite in dogs

• Ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates hunger

• Diarrhea, vomiting, polydipsia, or hypersalivation may occur

Uses, Indications

• Indicated for stimulation of appetite in dogs; experiential data is limited mostly to clinical study patients

• In a laboratory setting, capromorelin (compared with placebo) increased food consumption and body weight in healthy cats, but capromorelin is not yet FDA- approved for use in this species

Contraindications, Precautions, Warnings

• Contraindications

Patients with hypersensitivity to capromorelin or its components

• Precautions

Patients with renal insufficiency or hepatic dysfunction

• Warnings

Capromorelin use has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating bitches

Side Effects

• GI distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, flatulence, abdominal pain)

• Polydipsia 

• Lethargy

• Potential increases in BUN and serum phosphorous concentrations

Drug Interactions

• No interactions are currently reported 

• Capromorelin is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, so interactions with CYP3A4 inducers (eg, phenobarbital, rifampin) and inhibitors (eg, diltiazem, erythromycin, cimetidine, amiodarone, ketoconazole, itraconazole) may increase or decrease metabolism

Monitoring

• Clinical efficacy, adverse events

• Body weight

Client Information

• Gently shake the bottle before use; rinse the syringe between doses

• Drooling and vomiting may occur shortly after administration

Dosage Forms

• The following product is labeled for veterinary use: 

  • Capromorelin flavored solution: 30 mg/mL in 10 mL, 15 mL, or 30 mL bottles

‒Compiled and summarized from Plumb’s® Veterinary Drugs by Shannon Palermo, VMD