Omeprazole
Also known as: Gastrogard, Prilosec, Ulcergard, Zegerid, Losec
- **Timing is crucial:** Give this medication on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, about **30 to 60 minutes before a meal**. The drug needs active proton pumps to work, which are stimulated by eating. - **Do not crush or chew:** If using human capsules or tablets, they are specially coated to survive stomach acid. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the medication before it can be absorbed. - If you must open a capsule to give the pellets, mix them gently with a small amount of fruit juice (not water, milk, or saline) and give immediately without crushing the pellets. - Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive treatment of esophagitis or gastric ulcers
- GI ulcer management/prevention
- Adjunctive treatment of uremic gastropathy
- Short-term treatment of gastroenteritis
- Treatment of gastric ulcers
- Foals: Preventative dose
- Foals: Treatment dose
- Treatment or prophylaxis of gastric ulcers in foals
- Foals: Gastric ulcers
- Ulcer management
- GI ulcer management/prevention
- Adjunctive treatment of uremic gastropathy
- Prevent exercise-induced gastritis in racing Alaskan sled dogs
How it is given
Possible side effects
- GI distress (anorexia, colic, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea)
- Hematologic abnormalities (rare)
- Urinary tract infections
- Proteinuria
- CNS disturbances
- Urticaria (rare in horses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to omeprazole
- Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic or renal disease, as the drug's half-life may be prolonged and dosage adjustment may be necessary. Safety during pregnancy is not fully established (FDA Category C); high doses in lab animals showed embryo-lethality. Nursing is discouraged due to potential adverse effects in infants and tumorigenicity seen in rat studies. Chronic very high doses in rats caused enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia and gastric carcinoid tumors, though the clinical significance for standard veterinary use (e.g., 4 weeks in dogs, 90 days in horses) is believed to be low.
Drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam): Omeprazole may potentially alter benzodiazepine metabolism and prolong CNS effects
- Clarithromycin: Increased levels of omeprazole, clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin are possible
- Cyanocobalamin (oral): Omeprazole may decrease oral absorption
- Cyclosporine: Omeprazole may reduce cyclosporine metabolism
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Iron, Ampicillin esters: Omeprazole increases gastric pH, which may decrease the absorption of these drugs that require an acidic environment
- Warfarin: Omeprazole may increase anticoagulant effect
Frequently asked questions
What is Omeprazole used for in pets?
- **Timing is crucial:** Give this medication on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, about **30 to 60 minutes before a meal**. The drug needs active proton pumps to work, which are stimulated by eating. - **Do not crush or chew:** If using human capsules or tablets, they are specially coated to survive stomach acid. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the medication before it can be absorbed. - If you must open a capsule to give the pellets, mix them gently with a small amount of fruit juice (not water, milk, or saline) and give immediately without crushing the pellets. - Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Is Omeprazole safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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