Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Losec is a medication that contains Omeprazole as its primary active ingredient. This medication is typically used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers, gastritis, and oesophagitis in both cats and dogs. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Omeprazole is an active ingredient that works by inhibiting proton pumps - enzymes found in the stomach lining that play a crucial role in initiating digestion through stomach acid production. By binding to these pumps, Omeprazole reduces the production of excess stomach acid, which helps in the treatment and prevention of ulcers and gastritis.
Always follow the administration guidelines provided by your veterinarian. Generally, Losec is given orally, preferably before the first meal of the day and on an empty stomach. The exact dosage and frequency will depend on your pet's specific condition and needs.
Missed Dose:
If a dose of Losec is missed, consult your veterinarian. Typically, they may advise giving the dose when remembered or, if close to the next scheduled dose, skipping the missed one and continuing with the normal routine. Avoid giving extra or double doses.
Overdose:
In the rare event of an overdose, symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, or colic. If an overdose is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately or reach out to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre (www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738).
Omeprazole may require adjusted dosages or careful monitoring in animals with liver disease. Long-term use may lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It can interact with other medications, increase concentrations of certain drugs in the blood, and affect the absorption of drugs that require an acidic environment. It may also mask symptoms of gastric cancer. Caution is advised in patients with renal disease.
Side effects of the ingredient Omeprazole found in Losec are uncommon but can include:
If any of the above symptoms are observed, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Store Losec at a controlled room temperature. Ensure the container is tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Always confirm storage requirements on the label.
How long should my pet be on Losec?
Can Losec be used with other medications?
What should I do if I notice side effects in my pet?
Losec can be an effective treatment for certain gastrointestinal conditions in cats and dogs. We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Losec (omeprazole) for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.