Omeprazole (brand names Gastrogard® and Prilosec®) is used in the treatment of ulcers occurring in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine in dogs and cats. It is also used to treat or prevent gastric erosions caused by drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The medication works by lowering the amount of acid made in the stomach. Omeprazole is also used to treat Helicobacter infections and acute gastritis in dogs.
The use of omeprazole in dogs and cats is off label or extra-label. This medication is also used off label to treat gastroenteritis in ferrets. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
Description
Omeprazole is a medicine that veterinarians can prescribe to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers in dogs, as well as acid reflux. It’s the generic name for a drug that is also sold under the brand names Prilosec and GastroGard. The medication works by preventing the stomach from producing too much acid. It can come in a tablet form or as an oral paste. While it is not FDA-approved for use with dogs, veterinarians can safely prescribe it. Closely follow your vet’s instructions for the correct and safe dosage and frequency. Here’s what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of omeprazole for dogs.
Features of Omeprazole For Dogs
- Omeprazole, commonly known by the brand name Prilosec®, is used in the treatment and prevention of stomach (gastric) and intestinal ulcers in dogs and cats.
- The newest drugs used in the treatment of ulcers and heartburn (acid reflux from the stomach) belong to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole is such a drug and has been used for the treatment and prevention of stomach ulcers.
- Omeprazole inhibits the movement of hydrogen ions – a constituent of hydrochloric stomach acid. Through this effect, omeprazole blocks acid secretion in the stomach. This creates a more favorable stomach pH to allow ulcers to heal.
- The duration of effect for omeprazole is 24 hours.
- Omeprazole is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
- This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Uses Of Omeprazole For Dogs
Veterinarians generally prescribe omeprazole for dogs to treat ulcers in the stomach or intestines. The drug works by lowering the amount of acid that the dog’s stomach produces, which in turn can help the stomach heal due to lower pH levels. In some cases, vets have also prescribed this medication to treat dogs suffering from acid reflux issues.
Dosage Of Omeprazole For Dogs
The following is a guideline for typical use of the drug in dogs and must not replace your veterinarian’s advice for your individual pet. Your veterinarian will prescribe omeprazole for your dog in a dosage that reflects the severity of the condition they’re treating. In tablet form, veterinarians generally recommend a dosage between 0.25 and 0.5 mg for every pound of the dog’s weight. If you’re using the oral paste form, your vet will show you how to use it safely on your dog. It’s important to always follow your vet’s dosage and administration instructions exactly. This includes the length of time you should give the medicine to your dog.
Side effects of omeprazole for dogs
The most important aspect of omeprazole side effects for dogs is that there are few of them. It is generally a safe drug to take with few important interactions with other drugs. An evaluation from the American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences shows that adverse side effects in humans include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
Prices of Omeprazole For Dogs
$24.95 – $40.99