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Omeprazole in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Omeprazole

Updated on September 10, 2024

Proton pump inhibitor that is used to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Omeprazole

Summary

Used For: Omeprazole is used to treat and prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and erosions.

Brands: Prilosec

Species: Dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle, and swine

Drug type: Gastrointestinal

Prescription required: No

Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing animals.

Side effects: Decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, proteinuria

General description

Omeprazole is in the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors that are used in veterinary medicine to decrease stomach acid and aid in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal ulcers and erosions.

Uses

Omeprazole is used in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal ulcers and erosions. It is not used extensively in veterinary medicine due to cost.

How it works

Omeprazole works by blocking the gastric proton pump in the wall of the stomach which produces acid.

Dosage

**Dogs and Cats**: 0.5 – 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours. Rounding doses to the nearest 5 – 10 milligram increment **Ferrets**: 0.7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours **Horses**: 0.5 – 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours **Swine**: 40 milligrams by mouth every 24 hours **Cattle**: 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours.

Forms

Omeprazole Oral Tablets and Capsules: 10, 20, and 40 milligram sizes Oral Suspension: 2 milligrams per milliliters Omeprazole Oral Paste, 2.28 grams per syringe.

Storage information & handling

Store at room temperature protected from moisture and light.

What results can I expect?

Resolution of gastrointestinal signs for which the medication was prescribed.

Missed Dosage

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdose is uncommon due to wide margin of safety. Massive oral overdose should be treated symptomatically and supportively.

Side effects

Omeprazole is generally well tolerated in animals, thus side effects are rare but may include: * Decreased appetite * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Flatulence * Proteinuria

Contraindications

Avoid use or use with caution in animals with: * Known hypersensitivity * Hepatic and kidney disease

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using omeprazole with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. The following drugs may interact with omeprazole: * Benzodiazepines * Clarithromycin * Clopidogrel * Cyanocobalamin * Cyclosporine * Digoxin * Ketoconazole * Itraconazole * Ampicillin * Iron * Phenytoin * Rifampin * Warfarin

Precaution

Do not crush or allow patients to chew capsules or tablets.

Sources

*Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook* *VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook*

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.