Omeprazole

What is this medication for?

• Gastroduodenal ulcers/erosions, esophagitis, uremic gastropathy, NSAID-associated stomach/intestinal injury, Helicobacter adjunct

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Diarrhea (Occasional)
• Generally very well tolerated

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• stomach/intestinal distress, hematologic changes, UTI, protein in the urine, CNS disturbance (theoretical) (Rare/potential)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Hypersensitivity
• has or has had: Hepatic/renal disease (may need dose adjustment)

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole, iron, ampicillin esters
  • Clarithromycin
  • Cyclosporine
  • Warfarin
  • Diazepam/benzodiazepines

Storage and handling

Capsules: room temperature, light-resistant, tight container — do not crush/chew enteric-coated pellets. Use caution with compounded formulations — bioequivalence issues documented; a validated compounded suspension exists (equine paste diluted 1:9 in sesame oil, stable ~180 days).

Good to know

• Superior to famotidine for sustained acid suppression in head-to-head small-animal studies — omeprazole once daily outperformed famotidine twice daily.
• No FDA-approved small-animal formulation exists — human capsules or diluted equine paste are commonly used; be skeptical of compounded products from non-FDA source material (documented low potency in equine studies).
• Give before a meal, preferably in the morning, for best effect.