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, such as gastritis, esophagitis resistant to conventional drugs, gastroduodenal ulcers related or not to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, infections stomach ulcers by Helicobacter pylori and gastric ulcers.
If you want to know what omeprazole is, how it works, what indications it has, the dose used in cats and possible side effects and contraindications in this species, continue reading this article on our site.
What is omeprazole?
Omeprazole is an active ingredient that is made up of a mixture of two enantiomers, which are optical isomers in which the molecule of one is a mirror of the other, so they are not superimposable. It is a drug that reduces stomach secretion by inhibiting the proton pump, in which the enzyme adenosine triphosphatase hydrogen ion potassium (H + / K + ATPase) from 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, reacts with H+ ions, forms sulfenic acid which, in turn, reacts with water and a sulfenamide is formed, which is what binds to the alpha subunit of this enzyme, inhibiting ion exchange and, therefore, the production of hydrochloric acid.
Its effect is rapid and with a single daily dose it already reversibly inhibits the secretion of gastric acid by the stomach for 24 hours, being 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.
What is omeprazole used for in cats?
By inhibiting the secretion of hydrochloric acid from the cat's stomach, omeprazole controls the amount of gastric acid produced in the stomach, improving problems related to the production or excess of these acids such as gastric or gastroduodenal ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis.
In cats it is often used to treat inflammation of the stomach or gastritis, whether primary or secondary to liver disease or the kidneys, ingestion of foreign bodies, stress, intoxication, allergies or bacterial infections of the stomach such as those caused by Helicobacter pylori, among others. It is an inflammatory disease that affects the gastric mucosa and manifests itself with vomiting together with anorexia and abdominal pain. It is also used in esophagitis resistant to commonly used drugs such as ranitidine and other H2 blockers.
Dosage of omeprazole for cats
The dose of omeprazole in cats is 1 mg/kg and we can find it in the form of oral tablets or capsules (sizes of 10, 20 or 40 mg, being the ideal for cats the 10 to be able to make the division better), of oral suspension with a proportion of 2 mg of active ingredient per ml of solution or in oral paste format, which provides 2, 28 grams of omeprazole per syringe.
Your veterinarian will tell you the exact amount your cat should take of this medicine each day based on his body weight, so never self-medicate your cat without consulting a professional first.
Omeprazole contraindications for cats
Omeprazole is a drug that should not be given lightly to cats, as it 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, in cats with kidney disease or hepatic or in cats that are currently being treated with any of the following active ingredients:
- Diazepam
- Warfarin
- Alprazola
- Rifampicin
- Digoxin
- Clarithromycin
- Clopidogrel
- Phenytoin
- Ampicillin
- Ketoconazole
- Iron
- Cyclosporin
- Itraconazole
- Asterinol
- Carbamazepine
- Erythromycin
- Cisapride
- Lidocaine
- Dilteazem
- Felodipine
- Lovastatin
- Verepamilol
- Terfenadine
- Midazolam
- Quinidine
- Nifedipine
- Trizalam
Furthermore, if an analysis is carried out later, 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 used to assess the cat's blood coagulation.
Side Effects of Omeprazole for Cats
Omeprazole side effects are not frequent, but rather rare, and if they do occur they generally affect the small feline's digestive system. 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 or gas
- Weightloss
- Nausea
- Proteinuria (excretion of protein in the urine)
Again, we insist on the importance of giving omeprazole to a cat only under veterinary prescription.
