Omeprazole (Gastrobim)

Omeprazole

General Drug Information and Indications

Omeprazole paste for treatment and prevention of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS); proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) in equine paste formulation. Mechanism: irreversibly inhibits H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) on gastric parietal cell secretory membrane → blocks final step in HCl production. Prodrug activated by acid in parietal cell canaliculus. Sustained effect despite short plasma half-life. Equine-specific buffered formulation for reliable oral bioavailability. Key information PPI — most effective ulcer treatment in horses. Must be given on empty stomach 30–60 min before feeding. Gastrogard: labeled for treatment; Ulcergard: labeled for prevention. Do not crush enteric-coated formulations. Full course required — do not stop early.

How to Give this Medication

Oral paste (horses): administer via dose syringe into the back of the mouth, targeting the space between front and back teeth. Administer once daily on an empty stomach, 30–60 min before feeding. Adjust dose weight ring before each administration. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, on an empty stomach. Do not double up.

Side Effects

Generally very well tolerated. GI: rare diarrhea, soft feces with high doses. Headache equivalent (rare). Rebound hyperacidity (uncommon) with abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use. Drug interactions: reduced absorption of drugs requiring acidic pH (ketoconazole, itraconazole, iron).

Precautions

For animals See omeprazole. Equine-specific formulation — not interchangeable with human OTC omeprazole (poor equine oral bioavailability). Drug interaction: reduces absorption of drugs requiring acidic pH. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Omeprazole paste — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Omeprazole overdose causes GI signs. Rarely serious.

Omeprazole (Gastrobim) dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
GASTROBIM (OMEPRAZOLE) PASTE—Paste1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Drugs Used to Treat Gastrointestinal Ulcers in Monogastric Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-digestive-system/drugs-used-to-treat-gastrointestinal-ulcers-in-monogastric-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)