Famotidine and omeprazole
Pepcid (famotidine, human) · Prilosec (omeprazole, human) · GastroGard, UlcerGard (omeprazole, equine) · generic famotidine and omeprazole
Famotidine and omeprazole reduce stomach acid in dogs and cats with vomiting, reflux, ulcers or kidney disease, and omeprazole treats gastric ulcers in horses. Both are human generics also sold over the counter, so for most pets they are among the cheapest prescriptions there are.
What it is used for
Famotidine, an H2 blocker, and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, are used when a vet wants less stomach acid: for ulcers from NSAIDs or steroids, for the nausea and reflux of kidney disease, for inflammatory bowel disease and after some surgeries. Omeprazole is the stronger of the two and is now preferred for most conditions; famotidine is useful for quick symptom control and for animals that cannot take omeprazole.
Both are human products that a vet doses by weight. Famotidine works within an hour; omeprazole takes a few days to reach full effect and is given before a meal. Vets generally use them for a defined period rather than indefinitely, and taper omeprazole after long courses.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Give omeprazole capsules or tablets whole; the delayed-release coating matters. For cats, a vet may use a compounded liquid or the human orally disintegrating form.
- Long-term omeprazole in cats and dogs has been linked to changes in gut bacteria and other effects, which is why vets limit the course.
- Over-the-counter packs are fine when the vet has confirmed the strength and dose; do not give flavoured chewables meant for people without checking the ingredients.
- Tablets (famotidine, prescription and over the counter)
- Delayed-release capsules and tablets (omeprazole, prescription and over the counter)
- Oral paste (omeprazole, equine)
- Compounded liquids for cats
- 10, 20 and 40 mg famotidine
- 10, 20 and 40 mg omeprazole
Why the cash price varies
Both are commodity generics, and the over-the-counter packs carry no dispensing fee, so for a dog on a standard strength an over-the-counter pack is often the cheapest route. Prescription strengths, the human suspensions and compounded cat liquids cost more. The equine omeprazole paste is a veterinary product with its own pricing.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether an over-the-counter strength is appropriate for your pet’s dose.
- For a cat, ask whether a human small-strength tablet, given whole, would do before paying for compounding.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Famotidine or omeprazole, and for how long?
- Can I use an over-the-counter pack, and at what strength?
- Before a meal or with it?
- Is it safe with my pet’s other medicines?
- Should it be tapered when we stop?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s famotidine and omeprazole prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s famotidine and omeprazole prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book)
- FDA Orange Book (approved generics and therapeutic equivalence)
- MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine)
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.