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, and the vet’s prescription sets the product, strength and dose.
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 generally preferred when strong acid suppression is needed; 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.
Giving it to your pet
- How to give it
- Famotidine is usually given before the first meal of the day. Omeprazole works best on an empty stomach, about 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Do not crush omeprazole or open its capsules unless your vet or pharmacist confirms the form allows it; compounded versions are made for small doses.
- If you miss a dose
- Give it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose; in that case skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Never give two doses at once to catch up.
- Storage
- At room temperature in a closed container, away from moisture, and out of reach of pets and children.
- Call your vet if you see
- Side effects are uncommon. Call your vet for vomiting that continues, black or tarry stools, or loss of appetite, which can mean the underlying problem needs attention.
Your vet’s instructions and the label on your pet’s medicine take priority over this general information.
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 flavored 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
Each pharmacy sets its own cash price, so quotes for the same prescription can differ. Both drugs are also sold over the counter in some strengths, which the vet may say suit a particular pet. Prescription strengths, human liquids and compounded liquids for cats are separate products, so a quote applies only to the exact product, strength and quantity prescribed. The equine omeprazole paste is a separate veterinary product.
Upload it and licensed pharmacies reply with their own cash price. You pay the pharmacy, not us.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether an over-the-counter strength is appropriate for your pet’s dose.
- For a cat, ask the vet which form gives an accurate dose: part of a human tablet, a liquid or a compounded preparation.
- If a different strength would be easier to fill, the pharmacist may contact your vet; only the vet can change the prescription.
- 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?
Compare: Famotidine vs omeprazole for dogs: stomach acid reducers compared
The same medicine is prescribed for people: see the Famotidine guide for how it is supplied and priced at pharmacies.
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’s 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.