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.
This is a medication commonly used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers, gastritis and oesophagitis in cats and dogs. It is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
The active ingredient, Omeprazole functions by inhibiting proton pumps, enzymes in the stomach lining crucial for initiating digestion through stomach acid production. By binding to these pumps, Omeprazole reduces the production of excess stomach acid, thereby aiding in the treatment and prevention of ulcers and gastritis.
Always follow the administration guidelines provided by your veterinarian. Generally, Omeprazole 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 Omeprazole 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).
Hypersensitivity: If your pet is known to have an allergy or hypersensitivity to omeprazole or other PPIs, they should not be given this medication.
Pregnancy and Lactation: The safety of omeprazole for pregnant or lactating animals is not fully established. Please use with caution and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Liver Disease: If your pet has liver disease, be cautious when administering omeprazole as it may affect the drug's metabolism and clearance.
Concurrent Medication: Omeprazole can interact with other drugs, altering their effects. These include certain antifungals (such as ketoconazole), anticoagulants (such as warfarin), and other medications metabolized by the liver. Please consult with a veterinarian regarding potential drug interactions.
Long-term Use: Prolonged use of omeprazole may lead to secondary effects such as decreased gastric acid secretion, which could affect nutrient absorption and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Side effects of the ingredient Omeprazole are uncommon but can include:
If any of the above symptoms are observed, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Store Omeprazole 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 Omeprazole?
Can Omeprazole be used with other medications?
What should I do if I notice side effects in my pet?
Omeprazole can be an effective treatment for certain gastrointestinal conditions in cats and dogs. However, its use should always be under the guidance of a veterinarian. We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Omeprazole for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.