Omeprazole/Sucralfate Paste

Paste medications are thick and sticky, usually given by mouth using a syringe or tube. They’re often used for dewormers or other oral meds in horses, dogs, and cats. The key is to aim for the back of the mouth so your pet swallows the paste instead of spitting it out.

For Horses:

1. Set the dose on the syringe if it has markings (usually based on weight).
2. Stand beside your horse, not in front, and have someone hold them if possible.
3. Gently insert your thumb into the side of the horse’s mouth (between the teeth) to open it.
4. Insert the syringe into that gap and squirt the paste toward the back of the tongue.
5. Lift the horse’s head slightly and encourage swallowing by stroking the throat or gently blowing on the nostrils.
6. Watch for licking or chewing—that means they swallowed. If paste spills out, check how much was lost and contact your vet if unsure.
7. You can offer a little water afterward and reward them with a treat like a carrot if allowed.

For Dogs & Cats:

1. Gently open your pet’s mouth or slip the syringe into the side of it.
2. Aim toward the back of the tongue and squirt the paste in.
3. Hold the mouth closed briefly, and rub the throat or blow gently on the nose to encourage swallowing.
4. Give praise or a treat afterward to make it a positive experience.

Aftercare:

1. Wipe your pet’s mouth if needed.
2. Clean or recap the syringe as instructed.
3. Store the tube according to label directions.

Tip: Paste can feel weird to pets at first. For horses, try giving applesauce by syringe ahead of time so they get used to the sensation.

This compounded formulation combines omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, with sucralfate, a mucosal protectant, drawing on two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this to support the gastric environment through more than one mechanism. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate for your animal's species and health status.

At a pharmacological level, omeprazole binds to the hydrogen-potassium ATPase enzyme system within the gastric parietal cells, suppressing the final step of acid secretion. Sucralfate is a complex of aluminum hydroxide and sulfated sucrose; in an acidic environment it forms a viscous paste that binds to the surface of the gastric mucosa, creating a physical barrier over the lining. Because sucralfate requires an acidic environment to activate and omeprazole reduces acidity, your veterinarian will provide specific guidance on the timing of administration.

This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Commonly observed effects of omeprazole/sucralfate are generally mild but may include gastrointestinal changes such as constipation, loose stools or a temporary decrease in appetite. Because sucralfate contains aluminum, it may interfere with the absorption of other oral medications. Your veterinarian will monitor for these interactions and may recommend separating the administration of this combination from other prescriptions by several hours.

This medication is typically used with extra caution in patients with known kidney impairment or those with a history of intestinal motility concerns. In horses, veterinarians monitor for any signs of discomfort or changes in fecal consistency during the administration period. It is essential to provide your veterinarian with a complete history of all other medications and supplements your pet is receiving to ensure the most appropriate management plan. If you observe significant behavioral changes, persistent vomiting or signs of physical discomfort, contact your veterinarian promptly to share these observations. Your veterinarian is the best resource for designing a comprehensive approach to your pet's digestive health.