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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*

Related Questions

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My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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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.