Omeprazole how to taper off?

I'm wondering if Omeprazole is causing constipation issues in my CKD cat.   She's been on it about 3 weeks, 5mg/daily.  I'd like to switch back to Famotidine.   How do I taper off Omeprazole?  1/2 doses over X amount of days?  Every other day?  (I would ask my vet, but she is so busy it would take a week for her to get back to me.)

Hello and having checked a few different sources for Omeprazole as a cause of constipation, I am repeatedly finding the opposite - that loose stools are, in fact, widely listed as a side effect of Omeprazole for cats.  I wonder if the constipation is a coincidence, or caused by something else?  It is important, especially if there is a waiting time, to be sure that your cat is still able to poo but also to urinate, as blocked bladders are sometimes reported as constipation (they present as non-productive straining) and are emergencies.  Triage is usually available by practice staff or emergency teams if need-be (this is the process of working out how quickly a case needs to be seen, often over the phone).  For non urgent cases, a week is arguably a reasonable wait (I'm not sure how this compares to GP's non-urgent lists at the moment, but it would be interesting to compare).  Your vet will know the background to your cats' particular case - and whether a meds change is appropriate and viable for the patient concerned. Wishing you and your cat all the best and please do let us know how you get on.

Hmmm reading that back I am very aware that I still haven't answered your question.  There is a good reason for this.  The Veterinary Surgeons Act forbids anyone but the animals' own vet from prescribing medications (including dosages) for a patient.  This includes owners and internet vets, so please do speak to your veterinary team for triage / to making a booking as soon as you can.

(I should clarify;  veterinary nurses can prescribe in some appropriate situations, for animals under their care).

(To clarify; Vet help Direct are based in the UK)

(To clarify; Vet help Direct are based in the UK)

Thank you for your reply.  I went back to the vet.  Vet felt her abdomen and said she didn't think there were dry stools.  Kitty's anal glands were full, they were expressed and she pooped on the way home, and when she got home.  Poop today was wet, and still a bit small, but an improvement.