What is omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor that works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which reduce gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme system found at the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells. By inhibiting acid secretion, omeprazole reduces stomach acidity and helps promote healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid.
Causes of vomiting in dogs
There are several potential causes of vomiting in dogs:
- Eating something inappropriate or toxic – Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, which can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. This includes food scraps, garbage, plants, and chemicals.
- Infections – Bacterial or viral infections, such as parvovirus, can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in vomiting.
- Motion sickness – Riding in the car, boat, or other vehicles can trigger nausea and vomiting in dogs prone to motion sickness.
- Medications – Some medications, like antibiotics, can cause vomiting as a side effect.
- Dietary indiscretion – Eating too much food too quickly, eating rotting food from the garbage, and abrupt changes in diet can cause vomiting.
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas often leads to nausea and vomiting in dogs.
- Intestinal parasites – Worms and other intestinal parasites can irritate the gut and induce vomiting.
- Intestinal obstruction – Foreign objects like rocks or toys can obstruct the intestinal tract and cause vomiting.
- Kidney disease – Toxins building up in kidney failure can lead to nausea.
- Liver disease – Dogs with compromised liver function may vomit bile.
How omeprazole helps with vomiting
Omeprazole is effective at reducing vomiting in dogs because it decreases the production of stomach acid. The drug works by irreversibly blocking the enzyme in the parietal cells of the stomach that produces hydrochloric acid. This reduces the overall acidity and volume of gastric secretions. With less acid irritation, the stomach and esophagus can heal from inflammation that may be causing nausea and vomiting.
By suppressing stomach acid, omeprazole helps calm the stomach and stop the triggering of the vomiting reflex. It also protects the esophagus from the damage of excessive exposure to stomach acid coming up from vomiting episodes. Over time, reducing stomach acid allows an opportunity for any ulcers present in the GI tract to start repairing themselves and to prevent new ulcers from forming.
The reduction in acidity also means the stomach can begin moving food normally again through the GI tract instead of forcefully ejecting its contents. This is why omeprazole can be useful for treating vomiting issues stemming from acid reflux, ulcers, or gastrointestinal irritation in dogs.
Evidence that omeprazole reduces vomiting
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of omeprazole for reducing vomiting in dogs. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, dogs with vomiting were given either omeprazole or a placebo for 15 days. The omeprazole group showed a significant reduction in the number of vomiting episodes compared to the placebo group.
Another study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal examined omeprazole treatment in 49 dogs with vomiting. After just 3 days of omeprazole, vomiting had stopped completely in 37 of the dogs. Additionally, a retrospective study reviewed 124 cases of dogs treated with omeprazole for vomiting and found it was effective at reducing or resolving vomiting in 84% of the cases.
Overall, the evidence from multiple veterinary studies indicates that omeprazole is effective at reducing vomiting frequency and episodes when given to dogs. Through its mechanism of action in suppressing stomach acid production, omeprazole provides relief from the gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort causing the vomiting.
Proper dosage for dogs
When giving omeprazole to dogs, the dosage is based on the dog’s weight. Here are some general dosage guidelines:
- For dogs under 10 lbs, the typical dosage range is 5-10 mg per day.
- For dogs 10-20 lbs, the typical dosage range is 10-20 mg per day.
- For dogs 20-40 lbs, the typical dosage range is 20-40 mg per day.
- For dogs over 40 lbs, the typical dosage range is 40-60 mg per day.
Of course, always follow your vet’s specific dosage recommendations, as the dosage may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s individual needs and response to the medication.
Omeprazole is usually given once a day on an empty stomach about an hour before feeding. The dosage may be split into two doses per day if needed.
Side Effects
Like any medication, omeprazole can cause side effects in some dogs. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation. Omeprazole decreases acid production in the stomach, which can disrupt normal digestive function and lead to loose stools or constipation. These side effects are usually mild, but if they persist, veterinary advice should be sought.
Some dogs may also experience vomiting, flatulence, or anorexia when taking omeprazole. More rare side effects include skin reactions, muscle/joint pain, seizures, aggression, and liver toxicity. If any severe or concerning side effects develop, stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian right away.
To reduce the risk of side effects, give omeprazole exactly as directed by your vet. Never exceed the prescribed dosage. Most side effects resolve on their own once the medication is stopped. To help minimize digestive upset, give the omeprazole on a full stomach.
Interactions
Some drugs should not be administered with omeprazole as they can interact and cause side effects. In particular, certain antibiotics like ampicillin and digoxin can bind with omeprazole in the stomach. This prevents them from being properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Other drugs that should not be given with omeprazole include rilpivirine, dasatinib, and nelfinavir. Always consult your veterinarian before giving omeprazole with other medications.
When to give omeprazole
Timing is important when giving omeprazole to dogs. It should be given about 30-60 minutes before meals for maximum effectiveness. This allows the omeprazole time to suppress stomach acid production so that when the dog eats, less acid is released. If given too close to mealtime, omeprazole may not have enough time to work properly.
Omeprazole reaches peak levels in the blood about 1-2 hours after giving it. The effects last for up to 24 hours. So giving it once daily, right before the dog’s main meal is usually sufficient. For dogs that vomit frequently throughout the day, twice daily administration may be recommended.
Additionally, omeprazole appears most effective when given on an empty stomach. Food can interfere with its absorption. Waiting at least 30 minutes after giving omeprazole before feeding is ideal.
In summary, omeprazole should be given about 30-60 minutes before meals for best results, especially the dog’s largest meal of the day. It requires time to start working before stomach acid is stimulated from eating. Following administration on an empty stomach also promotes better absorption. Timing omeprazole appropriately allows it to maximize acid suppression and vomiting relief for dogs.
Monitoring During Use
It’s important to monitor your dog closely when giving them omeprazole to treat vomiting. Schedule follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to assess whether the medication is improving your dog’s condition.
Your vet will want to see your dog within a few days of starting omeprazole treatment. They’ll examine your dog and ask about any ongoing vomiting episodes. Based on this exam and your report, they can determine if the omeprazole dosage needs adjustment.
Follow-up vet visits should continue every 1-2 weeks while your dog is on omeprazole. Monitoring allows your vet to change the dosage or try other medications if the omeprazole isn’t fully controlling the vomiting.
Make note of when and how often your dog vomits while on omeprazole. Track any other concerning symptoms as well. Provide this information at each vet visit to help them evaluate your dog’s progress.
With close monitoring and follow-up care, your vet can make sure the omeprazole treatment is working optimally to reduce your dog’s vomiting and improve their health and comfort.
Alternatives to Omeprazole
While omeprazole can be an effective treatment for vomiting in dogs, there are some other drugs and home remedies that may also help:
Other Antacids
Similar to omeprazole, other types of antacids like famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine (Zantac) can help reduce stomach acid and control vomiting. They work in a similar way by blocking histamine receptors. Your vet may recommend trying one of these drugs first before omeprazole.
Anti-nausea Medications
Drugs like ondansetron and maropitant specifically target nausea and vomiting signals in the brain. They can be used together with antacids like omeprazole for more complete control of vomiting.
Diet Changes
Switching to a bland, easy-to-digest diet such as boiled chicken and rice may help settle an upset stomach. Avoiding fatty foods can also reduce vomiting. Your vet can recommend an appropriate dietary change.
Probiotics
Giving probiotic supplements can help replenish healthy gut bacteria and reduce vomiting caused by digestive issues. Probiotics come in powder, paste, or capsule formulations for dogs.
Ginger
Small amounts of ginger may help calm nausea and vomiting. Give dogs ginger chews or add a small amount of ginger powder to food.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best alternatives to omeprazole for your dog’s specific condition. Using other medications or natural remedies may help avoid side effects from omeprazole in some cases.