Effect of omeprazole paste on intragastric pH in clinically normal neonatal foals.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of omeprazole paste, a commonly used antiulcer drug, on intragastric pH in clinically normal neonatal foals.


METHODS
6 clinically normal foals between 5 and 14 days of age.


METHODS
Intragastric pH was recorded in each foal by use of a disposable antimony pH electrode with internal reference. Values for intragastric pH were recorded every 4 seconds by use of an ambulatory pH monitor. There were two 24-hour recordings of intragastric pH for each foal, with 24 hours between recordings. Foals were not administered any drugs during the first recording. Foals were administered omeprazole paste (4 mg/kg, PO) 1 hour after the start of the second recording. Mean pH was calculated for each hour of each 24-hour recording session. Hourly mean values were compared between the first and second 24-hour recordings.


RESULTS
Complete data were obtained from 4 of 6 foals during the first 24-hour recording and 6 of 6 foals during the second 24-hour recording. Foals had significantly higher mean hourly intragastric pH for hours 2 to 22 following omeprazole administration, compared with corresponding hourly pH values in foals during the first recording.


CONCLUSIONS
Omeprazole paste can effectively increase intragastric pH in clinically normal neonatal foals within 2 hours after oral administration of the first dose and can be administered to neonatal foals at the rate of 4 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours.
Sanchez
L Chris
LC
Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0136, USA.
Murray
Michael J
MJ
Merritt
Alfred M
AM
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism*; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination / Q000662:veterinary; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D006736:Horses / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013270:Stomach / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D009853:Omeprazole