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
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GASTROBIM (OMEPRAZOLE) PASTE | — | Paste | 1 | Commercial |
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)