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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

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)

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

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Irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells, reducing gastric acid secretion
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Pantoprazole
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Irreversibly inhibits H+/K+ ATPase in gastric parietal cells; preferred for IV administration due to better compatibility with IV fluids than omeprazole
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Rabeprazole
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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.
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