What Is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole (GastroGard, Prilosec, UlcerGard) is a medicine classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It reduces the amount of acid that is in your pet’s stomach. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers (open sores) in the esophagus, throat, stomach, and intestines. It is more effective for preventing ulcers than medicines called histamine-2 (H2) blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid), especially long-term. It can also be given to dogs as part of a combination of medicine to treat bacteria called helicobacter, which can infect the stomach and cause ulcers.
All uses for omeprazole in dogs and cats are considered to be “off-label” or “extra-label.” This means that there may be evidence of safe and effective use but the FDA has not approved that use.
There is no veterinary-specific formulation for dogs or cats. There is an oral paste that is FDA-approved for horses. The human medicine, which can be used in animals, is available in oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and granules. Omeprazole tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. The granules require a veterinary prescription and are available from human pharmacies. Since none of these products are formulated specifically for dogs or cats, discuss this with your veterinarian so that you get the right amount for your pet. Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for alternative dosing options.
How Is Omeprazole Used in Pets?
Omeprazole is usually given by mouth once or twice a day as directed by your veterinarian. Omeprazole works best if given on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. If vomiting occurs, try giving it with a small amount of food or a treat.
The granules are intended to be dissolved in water and given to humans who have a tube running directly into their stomach. These granules could be dissolved in water and given to an animal by mouth. But getting a proper dose for a pet can be difficult. If this is how your veterinarian prescribes the medicine, slowly give the liquid medicine into your pet’s mouth so that they receive all of the dose.
While omeprazole is generally safe and well-tolerated, and it is more effective for long-term use than H2 blockers like famotidine, long-term use has been discouraged.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Omeprazole in Pets?
- Omeprazole is usually well-tolerated in dogs and cats.
- Omeprazole is usually better than H2 blockers, such as famotidine, for longer-term use.
What Follow-up Is Required With Omeprazole?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement of their condition, as well as for side effects of the medicine. There are usually no routine blood tests that need to be performed.
Does Omeprazole Have Warnings or Side Effects in Pets?
Do not use omeprazole in animals that are allergic to it. Use omeprazole with caution in animals with liver disease. The safety of omeprazole in pregnant and nursing animals has not been established, so caution is advised.
Omeprazole is well-tolerated in dogs and cats. Side effects of oral omeprazole are usually mild and usually associated with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which include:
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Passing gas
- Diarrhea (dogs)
Contact your veterinarian if either of these worsens or continues for a few days.
If side effects persist with omeprazole, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options depending on the side effects and may recommend switching to a different medicine.
If you suspect that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Does Omeprazole Interact With Other Medicines?
Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if your pet is using any of the following before using omeprazole:
“Azole” antifungals. Certain medicines to treat fungal infections are called “azole” antifungals. Common examples include fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. These medicines are affected by the pH (acidity) of the stomach. Separate doses of omeprazole and oral azole antifungals by at least 2 hours.
Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) are used in pets for anxiety and sedation. Omeprazole can increase the blood levels of these medicines, causing increased risk for side effects.
Cephalosporins. Certain medicines to treat bacterial infections are called cephalosporins. Common examples include cefpodoxime, cefuroxime, and cephalexin. These medicines are affected by the acidity of the stomach. Separate doses of omeprazole and oral cephalosporins by at least 2 hours.
Clarithromycin. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that can be used in animals to treat certain infections. Using clarithromycin and omeprazole at the same time can increase the blood levels of both medicines, causing increased risk for side effects.
Digoxin. Digoxin is a medicine used in some animals with heart problems. Omeprazole can increase the blood levels of digoxin, causing increased risk for side effects.
Doxycycline. Omeprazole may decrease the absorption of doxycycline. Separating the doses does not usually resolve the problem. A higher dose of doxycycline may need to be given.
Iron. When given with omeprazole, the absorption of iron from supplements can be decreased. Separate iron supplement and omeprazole doses by at least 1 hour.
Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a medicine to replace thyroid hormones in animals that do not make enough themselves. Omeprazole may decrease the absorption of levothyroxine. Separating the doses does not usually resolve the problem. A higher dose of levothyroxine may need to be given.
Warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medicine that is commonly used as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots from forming in the bloodstream. There is a greater risk for bleeding when this medicine is used with omeprazole.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with omeprazole. Always check with your veterinarian.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
- Keep omeprazole out of reach of children.
- Wash your hands after giving omeprazole to your pet.
- Do not handle omeprazole if you are allergic to it.
What If My Pet Takes Too Much Medicine or Has an Overdose?
To prevent accidental swallowing of the medicine, the package should be stored in a secure location out of reach of the pet. If you suspect your pet has taken more omeprazole than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.
What If My Pet Misses a Dose?
If your pet missed a dose, give that dose if it is close to the original scheduled time. If it is closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the correct time. Do not double the dose of the medicine.
How Do I Store Omeprazole?
Omeprazole should be protected from light and kept at room temperature.
