Omeprazole for Horses in 2025 🐴

Gastric ulcers are a common issue in horses—especially in racehorses and other high-performance animals. Omeprazole, a potent acid-reducing medication, is often used to treat and prevent these painful ulcers. But not all omeprazole products are created equal. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 equine guide, I’ll explain why FDA-approved Gastrogard® and Ulcergard® remain the most trusted options—and why unapproved generics might not be worth the risk. 💊🐴

🔬 What Are Equine Gastric Ulcers?

Gastric ulcers, or Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), occur when acid erodes the lining of a horse’s stomach. This is especially common in:

• 🏇 Racehorses
• 🏕️ Horses under transport stress
• 🍽️ Horses on high-grain, low-forage diets
• 💼 Performance and competition horses

💊 Role of Omeprazole

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces gastric acid secretion at its source. When formulated correctly, it protects the horse’s stomach lining and allows ulcers to heal.

✅ FDA-Approved Equine Products

There are only two FDA-approved omeprazole products for horses:

• Gastrogard® – used for treatment of gastric ulcers
• Ulcergard® – used for ulcer prevention (lower dose)

These products are specially formulated for horses and designed to protect omeprazole from degradation in stomach acid so it can be absorbed effectively.

⚠️ Unapproved Omeprazole Products: Not All Are Equal

In recent years, many unapproved omeprazole-containing products have entered the equine market. But according to the FDA, these products may not deliver what they promise:

• 📉 Some contained only 36% of the labeled omeprazole
• 📈 Others exceeded the labeled amount with up to 135%
• 🧪 Most are not properly buffered or protected from stomach acid

❗ Why This Matters

⚠️ If omeprazole breaks down before reaching the intestine, it becomes ineffective. This means:

• ⛔ Continued ulcer pain
• ⛔ Delayed healing
• ⛔ Poor performance or behavioral issues
• ⛔ Wasted money on ineffective treatment

🔎 What the FDA Found

The FDA issued warning letters to nine companies for improper manufacturing and misleading labeling of omeprazole-based ulcer medications. Their concerns included:

• ⚠️ Inconsistent active ingredient levels
• ⚠️ No assurance of safety or efficacy
• ⚠️ Risk of underdosing (ineffective) or overdosing (side effects)

💡 Why Gastrogard & Ulcergard Are Worth It

Though more expensive, FDA-approved products are:

• 🔬 Properly buffered to survive stomach acid
• 📈 Consistent in strength and performance
• ✅ Backed by safety and efficacy studies
• 🩺 Recommended by veterinarians worldwide

📋 When to Use Gastrogard or Ulcergard

• Gastrogard®: once daily for 28 days (for treatment)
• Ulcergard®: at a lower dose for daily prevention

📲 Talk to Your Vet First

Before choosing any ulcer treatment, speak to your equine veterinarian. The use of FDA-approved omeprazole ensures your horse receives consistent, safe, and effective care.

For help comparing treatment options or confirming a diagnosis, download the Ask A Vet app to chat with a licensed vet anytime 🐴💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Equine gastric ulcers are common and serious
• ✔️ Omeprazole is the most effective treatment—when formulated correctly
• ❌ Unapproved products may not contain accurate doses or be effective
• ✔️ FDA-approved Gastrogard & Ulcergard are proven and safe
• 🩺 Talk to your vet before starting any treatment

Invest in what works—your horse deserves trusted, effective care 💛

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc