From:
Lorelei Whitney
Date: 2001-11-08 21:02:00 UTC
Subject: RE:Nexium
Hi Tansey,
Nexium (Omeprazole) is not a new drug as the TV commercials would
have you believe.
It is the exactly the same drug as Prilosec "The 24hr Purple Pill"
commercial for gastric reflux.
The company is getting ready to loose their patent on Prilosec so
the have renamed the drug and gotten a new patent for it.
This is an Antiulcer drug. Prescribed for ulcers of the
gastrointestinal tract and esophagus. It is a gastric acid (proton)
pump inhibitor. There is limited veterinary experience with these
type drugs because they are new and expensive.
It is not FDA approved for use in dogs or cats. Although it is a
new drug, its use is considered accepted practice.
Omeprazole should be used with caution in animals with decreased
liver function. The dose may need to be decreased in these animals.
It should be given before meals, preferably in the morning.
Usual Dose for cats is 0.1 - 0.4 mg/lb twice a day
I do not know why but it is stated that Some experts DO NOT
recommend omeprazole in cats. I will look into it and find out why.
Lorelei Whitney