Omeprazole for horses (GastroGard, UlcerGard)
GastroGard · UlcerGard · generic omeprazole paste (veterinary) · compounded omeprazole
Omeprazole paste is the treatment and prevention for gastric ulcers in horses, which are common in stabled, competing and stressed animals. GastroGard is the approved treatment dose and UlcerGard the lower prevention dose sold without a prescription; generic pastes now compete. Human omeprazole capsules are not reliably absorbed by horses.
What it is used for
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome affects a large share of racehorses and performance horses and many leisure horses: poor appetite, weight loss, a dull coat, girthiness, poor performance and mild colic are the signs, and gastroscopy confirms it. Omeprazole suppresses acid long enough for the stomach lining to heal, given once a day as a paste for about four weeks, then at a lower dose to prevent recurrence during stressful periods such as travel, competition and stabling.
The approved pastes are formulated to survive the horse’s stomach; ordinary human capsules are broken down before they can be absorbed, which is why they do not work reliably in horses. Management changes matter as much as the drug: more turnout and forage, fewer concentrates, and reducing stress.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Use a formulation made for horses; human omeprazole capsules and generic tablets are poorly absorbed in horses.
- Compounded omeprazole pastes have tested unreliable in potency and stability; use an approved paste unless the vet has a specific reason.
- Omeprazole reduces calcium absorption with long use; the vet may advise on diet for a horse on long courses.
- Oral paste in a dosing syringe (treatment and prevention strengths)
- Compounded pastes and powders
- GastroGard 2.28 g omeprazole per syringe, dosed by weight
- UlcerGard the same paste labelled for a prevention dose
UlcerGard is the same paste as GastroGard sold over the counter for prevention; at the treatment dose it is used off-label.
Why the cash price varies
A four-week treatment course for a full-size horse uses a syringe a day, so the per-syringe price of the brand, a generic paste or UlcerGard bought in bulk makes a large difference. Generic omeprazole pastes approved for horses now compete with GastroGard. All are sold through veterinary channels, and equine pharmacies often price by the box.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether a generic equine paste can be dispensed, and compare boxed prices from an equine pharmacy.
- Ask whether a prevention dose during stressful periods, rather than continuous treatment, suits your horse.
- Review turnout, forage and feeding with the vet; management reduces how much drug is needed.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock; pharmacies that carry or can order veterinary products can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Has the ulcer been confirmed by gastroscopy, and will it be re-checked?
- Treatment dose for how long, then prevention when?
- Is a generic equine paste available?
- What management changes would reduce recurrence?
- Does my horse have glandular ulcers that need a different approach?
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 omeprazole for horses (gastrogard, ulcergard) 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 omeprazole for horses (gastrogard, ulcergard) 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
- FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book)
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
- Merck Veterinary Manual
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.