Omeprazole - Equine
(Gastrogard, UlcerGard, Prilosec, Nexium)

Common Drug Name Omeprazole

Common Brand Names: Gastrogard, UlcerGard (veterinry forms) Prilosec, Nexium (human forms) Generic products are available.

Storage: Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Do not store at temperatures higher than 86°F.

Uses: Omeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It is used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers. Dose and Administration Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This medication should only be given to the horse for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects: No adverse side effects have been reported by the manufacturer. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any possible side effects, or if the signs of gastric ulcers continue or worsen. In adult horses these signs may include decreased appetite, weight loss, mild colic, poor performance, depression, lying down more than normal, diarrhea, accumulation of fluid under the belly, and anemia with signs of pale gums and weakness. In foals may also see teeth grinding, drooling, weakness, and nursing for only short periods of time. If your horse experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions: Not for use in horses hypersensitive (allergic) to omeprazole or similar medications. Use with caution in horses with liver or kidney disease. The safety of omeprazole in pregnant and lactating mares has not been determined. Do not use in pregnant or lactating horses unless benefits outweigh the risks. Avoid use in foals less than 4 weeks of age. This medication may need to be given for many weeks; however, the safety of use for longer than 91 days has not been determined. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with omeprazole.

Human Precautions: In case of ingestion by humans, contact a physician. The manufacturer can be reached at 1-877-637- 4253.

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions: Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your horse is taking while receiving omeprazole. Consult your veterinarian before using omeprazole with diazepam, phenytoin, warfarin, ketoconazole, ampicillin, supplements containing iron salts, or any drugs that could depress the bone marrow, since interactions may occur.

Withdrawal Times: Omeprazole is a classified drug. Consult your veterinarian and event officials before using omeprazole or any other medication in a performance horse. Not for use in horses intended for food.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose: May see colic, diarrhea, or anemia, in which case, you may observe pale gums and weakness. If you know or suspect your horse has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and animals.

** This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

If you have questions about this medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation