The Timing and Peak Absorption of Omeprazole and Sucralfate

When managing equine gastric ulcers, timing can be just as critical as the treatment itself. While many owners understand the value of medications like omeprazole and sucralfate, few realise how much their effectiveness hinges on when they're given. Proper administration ensures maximum absorption and reduces the risk of wasted medication and slow recovery.


Omeprazole, the active ingredient in AbPrazole, is a proton pump inhibitor that works by suppressing acid production in the stomach, allowing ulcers to heal. Sucralfate, produced by Abler as AbSucralfate, helps form a barrier over the ulcer to further aid healing. But why is timing so important?

 

Why Omeprazole Works Best on an Empty Stomach

  

Horses are natural grazers who evolved to eat small amounts of food regularly. However, for omeprazole to be absorbed efficiently, the stomach must be as empty as possible. The ideal time to dose a horse with AbPrazole is first thing in the morning before the horse has eaten anything. Overnight fasting provides the best window for the drug to pass through the stomach with minimal interference.


After administration, it’s essential to allow at least 30 to 60 minutes before offering the horse food. This allows omeprazole time to travel from the stomach to the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Feeding too soon after dosing can disrupt this process, potentially reducing the amount of medication that reaches its target.


Peak plasma concentrations of omeprazole are typically achieved around one hour after administration. Keeping the stomach relatively empty during this window ensures optimal absorption. If feed or supplements are introduced too early, they may bind to fibrous material or increase stomach acidity, both of which reduce efficacy.

 

When to Give Sucralfate for Maximum Effect

  

Sucralfate, produced by Abler as AbSucralfate, plays a different role in the healing process. Rather than reducing acid production, sucralfate acts as a mucosal protectant. It binds to ulcerated areas, forming a protective barrier over the injured tissue. This barrier shields the ulcer from further acid exposure, allowing for natural healing.


Due to the way sucralfate works, it should not be administered simultaneously with omeprazole. If administered too early, it may interfere with the absorption of omeprazole. Instead, AbSucralfate should be given about one hour after AbPrazole. This allows omeprazole enough time to reach the bloodstream before sucralfate begins coating the stomach lining.


After dosing with sucralfate, it's best to wait 30 minutes before offering any feed, medications, or supplements. Sucralfate is highly adhesive in the presence of acid, and early feeding could either dilute the stomach contents or interrupt its bonding process. Allowing that short window helps the medication form an effective coating over any ulcerated surfaces.

 

Getting the Most Out of Your Ulcer Treatment

 

Combining omeprazole and sucralfate can be incredibly effective for managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and glandular ulceration, but success depends heavily on adherence to the timing protocol. Giving omeprazole on an empty stomach and delaying feed ensures peak absorption while staggering the sucralfate dose allows each medication to do its job without interference.


Horse owners and carers often ask whether these time gaps really matter. The answer is yes, they do. Even the best medications can be undermined by poor administration. If you're investing in ulcer treatment, it makes sense to optimise every step, from storage and handling to the exact timing of each dose. 


Understanding the timing and peak absorption of omeprazole and sucralfate, as well as how these medications work, allows horse owners to support their animal’s recovery in the most effective way possible. It’s not just about giving the right product; it’s about giving it at the right time. For more support on using AbPrazole and AbSucralfate, contact your vet or the team at Abler. You can also browse the latest resources in our blog.