Antacids, Acid Blockers and Proton-Pump Inhibitors

Mumma2B

For those of you moms with a little one with GERD what have you tried that works?  I currently have my little guy on Zantac which is an acid blocker but it doesn't seem to be working.  Someone told me to try Nexium which is a Proton-Pump Inhibitor but online it says it is only FDA approved for children 1-11... so I'm  not sure what to do.  I haven't had a chance to research the difference between antacids and acid blockers yet.

I'm seeing the dr. this afternoon but wanted some taking points to make sure I get all the information I need.  Any questions/concerns/comments would be helpful.

 TIA

triciaj1

I'm a pharamcist. All 3 types of medications work differently. Antacids are for temporary relief and are not typically used in infants. Acid blockers (H2RA's) like Zantac are typically the first thing used in LO's with GERD. They have been studied in younger LO's and have been shown safe. PPI's are used in LO's who have "failed" acid blockers. Typically PPI's are used in LO's a little older, since they have not been studied in <1 yr old, BUT they can be used in babies under 1 if prescribed by a dr. This medication does have to be compounded by your pharmacist though. It will be an Omeprazole suspension and I would find a compounding pharmacy if he prescribes this.?

PPI's do work better than acid blockers and antacids, but since they have not formally been studied in babies under 1yo they are sometimes avoided. ?