Pet Medication 101: Omeprazole

1. Drug Name:

omeprazole

2. Common Name or Brand Name:

Gastrogard, Ulcergard, Prilosec, Zegerid

3. How Dispensed:

Over the counter and prescription

4. Forms:

Equine oral paste (2.28 g per syringe);10, 20, 40 mg tablets and capsules; oral suspension

5. Drug Type/Class:

Antacid

6. Uses in Cats and Dogs:

Omeprazole reduces stomach acid secretion. This is helpful in pets with stomach ulcers or to prevent the formation of stomach ulcers. It is also used in animals with esophagitis, reflux, and kidney disease. Omeprazole is also used as part of the treatment against an ulcer-causing bacteria in the stomach called Helicobacter.

7. How it Works:

Proton pump inhibitor

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

Side effects of omeprazole may include decreased appetite, diarrhea, gas, and (rarely) vomiting and nausea.

Omeprazole may increase liver enzymes, but this is not considered harmful.

9. Drug Interactions:

Azole antifungals, cefpodoxime, cyclosporine. Omeprazole reduces the absorption of these medications because of higher stomach pH.

Omeprazole may increase the duration of action of certain tranquilizers (diazepam, alprazolam).

10. Cautionary Statements:

Use caution in pets with severe heart, kidney, and liver disease.

Use caution in pets that are pregnant or nursing.

Read more:

Pet Medication 101: Imodium

Pet Medication 101: Tagamet

Pet Medication 101: Kaopectate

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