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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Julien Bazelle, Fear Free,

Medication: Omeprazole

Your cat has been prescribed omeprazole for management of hyperacidity, gastric ulcers or stomach tumor.

ℹ️Key points: • Proton pump inhibitor. • Use with care in animals with liver or kidney disease. • Use with care in pregnant animals and lactating queens as may enter the milk. • Use with care in animals with vitamin B12 deficiency. • Do not use in animals with known allergy to omeprazole.

ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name

  • Omeprazole (o-mep-raz-OL).

Brand name

  • There is no product licensed for use in cats and dogs but human drugs can be given with special consent. There is also a formulation designed for horses.
  • Gastrogard® (UK and US).
  • Losec® (UK).
  • Mepradec® (UK).
  • Mezzopram® (UK).
  • Prilosec® (UK and US).
  • Pyrocalm® (UK).
  • Genozol® (US).
  • Zanprol®.

Class of medication

  • Proton pump inhibitor.

Storage

  • Store at room temperature (15-30°C).
  • Store away from heat, moisture and sunlight.

Why has my cat been prescribed omeprazole?

Your veterinarian has prescribed omeprazole to help in the management of excessive acid production in the stomach. The drug blocks the mechanism in the stomach that produces acid to aid digestion.

How is the medication given?

The product is available as tablets can be given by mouth. It is important that the tablets are not crushed or chewed and should be swallowed whole.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

The following side-effects have been reported:

  • Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, modification of the intestinal microbiota.
  • Skin reactions with blistering.
  • Allergic reactions, eg hives, itching; swelling of mouth or throat and difficulty breathing.
  • Reduced intestinal absorption of some nutrients.
  • Signs of kidney problems such as difficulty passing urine (in humans, not proven in cats).
  • Signs of liver disease such as inappetence, jaundice (in humans, not proven in cats).
  • Tooth fractures with chronic use.
Drug interactions can occur with:
  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole or other similar drugs used to treat fungal infections.
  • Digoxin.
  • Diazepam.
  • Increases effect of phenytoin.
  • Warfarin and other drugs used to thin the blood.
  • Cisapride.
  • A number of drugs used to treat cancer – speak to your veterinarian if your cat is receiving chemotherapy before you give omeprazole.
  • Vitamin absorption may be affected by omeprazole use.
  • Sucralfate can reduce absorption of omeprazole.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Omeprazole should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors can lead to other complications so continued veterinary support is essential. If no improvement is seen within a few weeks, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy. You should never change or stop any treatment without consulting your veterinarian. Abrupt discontinuation of a long term omeprazole treatment is not recommended as this can be associated with excessive rebound acid production.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused medication safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Omeprazole should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household
  • Use with care in pregnant or lactating cats and only if advised by your veterinarian
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on omeprazole?

Your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on your pet if they are receiving any long term therapy to ensure the drugs they are receiving are effective and to adjust the doses if necessary. Ongoing management of the underlying disorder may be needed.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on omeprazole can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

ℹ️Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.

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