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Esomeprazole

Prescription
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase proton pump in gastric parietal cells, profoundly suppressing gastric acid secretion

At a glance

Class
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture; do not crush enteric-coated tablets

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Gastric/duodenal ulceration / Erosive esophagitis / NSAID gastropathy
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
40 mg/dose; 80 mg/day
Duration: 2–8 weeks depending on indication
🐈

Cat

Gastric ulceration / Erosive esophagitis
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
10 mg/dose; 20 mg/day
Duration: 2–4 weeks
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet (enteric coated) — 2

Strength
20mg
Available in India
Strength
40mg
Available in India
💉

Powder for injection — 1

Strength
40mg vial
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture; do not crush enteric-coated tablets

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity to PPIs

Adverse effects

Common
Diarrhoea
Inappetence
Serious
Hypomagnesemia (prolonged use)
Rebound acid hypersecretion on withdrawal

Monitoring parameters

GI signsMagnesium levels (prolonged use)
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Ketoconazole
moderate
PPIs raise gastric pH, markedly reducing ketoconazole bioavailability
Management: Avoid combination. If antifungal needed with PPI therapy, use itraconazole or fluconazole.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Nexium
AstraZeneca

India

Nexpro
Torrent
Esoz
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Esomeprazole?
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (ppi) used in pets. Irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase proton pump in gastric parietal cells, profoundly suppressing gastric acid secretion
›What is Esomeprazole used for in pets?
Esomeprazole is used in veterinary medicine for: Gastric/duodenal ulceration / Erosive esophagitis / NSAID gastropathy; Gastric ulceration / Erosive esophagitis.
›What is the Esomeprazole dose for dogs?
For dogs, Esomeprazole is typically dosed as follows — Gastric/duodenal ulceration / Erosive esophagitis / NSAID gastropathy: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO/IV SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Esomeprazole dose for cats?
For cats, Esomeprazole is typically dosed as follows — Gastric ulceration / Erosive esophagitis: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO/IV SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Esomeprazole?
Common: Diarrhoea, Inappetence. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypomagnesemia (prolonged use), Rebound acid hypersecretion on withdrawal.
›Does Esomeprazole need a prescription?
Yes. Esomeprazole is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Esomeprazole not be used?
Do not use Esomeprazole if: Known hypersensitivity to PPIs.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Proton pump inhibitor).

Omeprazole
Rx
Irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells, reducing gastric acid secretion
dogcat
Pantoprazole
Rx
Irreversibly inhibits H+/K+ ATPase in gastric parietal cells; preferred for IV administration due to better compatibility with IV fluids than omeprazole
dogcat
Rabeprazole
Rx
Irreversibly inhibits H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells, blocking the final step of gastric acid secretion. Effective regardless of stimulation pathway. More rapid onset than other PPIs.
dogcat
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