Omeprazole for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects
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Omeprazole is an active ingredient from the group of stomach proton pump inhibitors. It is responsible for reducing the production of gastric acid and controlling disorders associated with gastric hypersecretion in cats. You may be more familiar with it in human medicine as it is on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines[1]. Its use in cats is becoming more common, especially when used to treat gastrointestinal diseases which are resistant to other more commonly used antacids and similar drugs.
At AnimalWised, we look at omeprazole for cats. We look specifically at the uses, dosage and potential side effects of this drug to help you understand why it may be useful if your cat is sick.
What is omeprazole for cats?
Omeprazole is a drug which acts as a proton-pump inhibitor, meaning it blocks the production of stomach acid. As an active ingredient, it is made up of a mixture of two enantiomers, i.e. optical isomers in which the molecule of one is a mirror of the other, so they are not superimposable.
The proton pump is the membrane which allows the gastric mucosa to secrete gastric acid for digestion purposes. Omeprazole acts against enzyme hydrogen potassium ATPase (also known as H+/K+ ATPase) of gastric cells. This inhibitory effect occurs as follows:
- Omeprazole comes into contact with the canaliculi of gastric cells in the lumen of the stomach
- At a pH of 2, it reacts with H+ ions to form sulfenic acid.
- In turn, the sulfenic acid reacts with water and a sulfenamide is formed.
- The sulfenamide binds to the alpha subunit of this enzyme, inhibiting ion exchange and, therefore, the production of hydrochloric acid (i.e. gastric acid).
The effect of omeprazole is rapid and already irreversibly inhibits the secretion of gastric acid by the stomach for 24 hours after a single dose. It is especially useful in disorders related to gastric acid such as ulcers or esophagitis in cats. Omeprazole undergoes hepatic metabolism through cytochrome P450 and is excreted in the urine and, to a lesser extent, in the feces.
Moreover, omeprazole can be beneficial in treating chronic gastritis and allows the stomach lining to heal by reducing acid exposure. This makes it a valuable treatment option when other medications fail to provide relief. Image: animmarket.net
Uses of omeprazole for cats
By inhibiting the secretion of hydrochloric acid from the cat's stomach, omeprazole controls the amount of gastric acid produced in the stomach. This has a positive effect on feline health problems related to the production of gastric acid such as:
- Gastric or gastroduodenal ulcers
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Esophagitis
In cats, its use is common to treat inflammation of the stomach (known as gastritis in cats). This can be primary or secondary to other diseases such as liver or kidney disease. Ingestion of foreign bodies, stress, intoxication, allergies, or bacterial infections of the stomach (such as those caused by Helicobacter pylori) can also lead to gastritis.
Gastritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the gastric mucosa and manifests in vomiting, as well as anorexia and abdominal pain. When the cat vomits up their food, you may see them vomit up yellow due to the presence of bile. Omeprazole for cats is also used in esophagitis resistant to commonly used drugs such as ranitidine and other H2 blockers.
In addition to treating these conditions, omeprazole can be beneficial in managing chronic pancreatitis in cats. By reducing stomach acidity, it can potentially alleviate discomfort caused by pancreatic inflammation, offering another avenue for treatment in severe cases.
Omeprazole dosage for cats
The dose of omeprazole in cats is 0.25-0.5 mg/lb (0.5-1 mg/kg) of the cat's body weight. Omeprazole preparations come in:
- Oral tablets or capsules: these are available in strengths of 10, 20, or 40 mg. Ideally, cats should have 10 mg tablets so we can best divide the dosage.
- Oral suspension: a proportion of 2 mg of active ingredient per ml of solution.
- Oral paste format: provides 2.28 grams of omeprazole per syringe.
Omeprazole is sold under the brand names Prilosec and Losec, among others. It is not commonly sold as an injection of omeprazole for cats. Your veterinarian will determine the exact amount your cat should be administered, usually over the course of several days. Never self-medicate your cat without prior consultation with a professional.
In some cases, veterinarians may recommend a higher dosage or extended treatment duration depending on the severity of the condition being treated. This flexibility in dosage highlights the importance of a tailored approach to each cat's health needs.
Contraindications of omeprazole for cats
Omeprazole is a drug that should not be given readily to cats. As a strong proton-pump inhibitor, it can also affect their regular digestion, especially if given without due cause. It is also a drug which has a series of contraindications and pharmacological interactions with other active ingredients.
While it is safe in pregnant and lactating cats, this drug should not be used in cats with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients. It is also dangerous for cats with kidney or liver disease. Cats currently being treated with any of the following active ingredients should not be given omeprazole:
- Diazepam
- Warfarin
- Alprazolam
- Rifampin
- Digoxin
- Clarithromycin
- Clopidogrel
- Phenytoin
- Ampicillin
- Ketoconazole
- Iron
- Cyclosporine
- Itraconazole
- Asterinol
- Carbamazepine
- Erythromycin
- Cisapride
- Lidocaine
- Diltiazem
- Felodipine
- Lovastatin
- Verapamil
- Terfenadine
- Midazolam
- Quinidine
- Nifedipine
- Triazolam
If an analysis is subsequently carried out, it must be taken into account that omeprazole can alter some parameters such as increasing liver enzymes, serum gastrin levels, as well as the prothrombin time that is used to assess the coagulation of the cat's blood.
It should be noted that long-term use of omeprazole may lead to nutrient malabsorption, particularly of vitamin B12 and magnesium, which could compound existing health issues. Therefore, regular monitoring by a veterinarian is advised when omeprazole is used over extended periods.
For more information on feline medication, take a look at our article on ivermectin for cats.
Side effects of omeprazole for cats
The side effects of omeprazole are not frequent if given without any of the above contraindications. Although relatively rare, if they occur they generally affect the digestive system of the small feline. Among the main clinical signs that may appear after taking omeprazole in cats, the following stand out:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Reduced appetite or anorexia
- Flatulence
- Weight loss
- Sickness
- Proteinuria (excretion of protein in the urine)
Again, we insist on the importance of giving omeprazole to a cat only under veterinary prescription. Gastrointestinal disorders are relatively common in cats, often resulting in the cat having vomiting and diarrhea at the same time. Determining the correct underlying cause will help determine whether omeprazole for cats is beneficial.
Furthermore, some cats may experience neurological side effects such as lethargy or unusual behavior changes, although these are rare. Monitoring your cat closely for any adverse reactions is crucial during the initial stages of treatment.
For its effect on canine health, take a look at our related article on omeprazole for dogs.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Omeprazole for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.
1. World Health Organization. (2021). List of Essential Medicines. Retrieved from:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2021.02
- Gonzalez, M.A. (2008). Vademecum of Veterinary Pharmacology in dogs and cats. Editorial Trillas Sa De Cv.
