Has anyone used Zantac for their infants because of reflux?

Question

I know there is a liquid form given to infants prescription only, given by the pediatrician, that is what I would talk to them about, I just wondered if anyone has had them prescribe it.

Answer 1

My son was on Zantac from the time he was 2 months old till the time he was 8.5 months old. Know that Zantac is very weight sensitive; As your child gains weight, it is important their dose is adjusted accordingly or the medicine can stop working for them. Also, it is initially very important that the pediatrician prescribes the right dose for your child's weight or the medicine will be subtherapeutic. Someone made the comment about Zantac being bitter. It is - that's why we always put our son's Zantac in a small bottle with just two ounces of formula. That way, even if he didn't want to drink any more than that, we knew he was getting his medicine. When my son had reflux (he's 14 months old now), it was a very stressful, confusing time. I wanted to help him and I knew he was suffering, but I didn't have all the answers. I found several forums online for infant reflux, but one stood out above all the others. The link is...http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/default.asp The people who post there are extremely knowledgeable, supportive, warm, and caring. Some of been posting for years and their children have long outgrown reflux. However, they continue to post there because they care and they remember what it was like to be in those shoes. I would highly recommend reviewing the information there. As others have mentioned, there are additional things you can do to help a baby with reflux (thickening their formula, keeping upright after feeding, using something to elevate their crib, Amby beds, etc.) and you'll find all of that information on the site I referenced. Don't worry. You'll be able to find some combination of things to help your child and they do eventually outgrow reflux. I wish you the best!
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After reading some of the comments here, I wanted to add that Zantac (nor any drug for reflux) helps with spitting up. It is designed to reduce/neutralize the amount of acid, thefore reducing or eliminating the pain. Again, it does not stop the actual spitting up. I also want to mention that not all babies with reflux even spit up. Some have silent reflux, which is when the acid comes only halfway up the esophagus (my son had this at first). Doctors believe this is actually even more painful.
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One last thing (sorry)... Just because a baby spits up, it does not mean they need medication for reflux. Most babies are what the medical community calls "happy spitters". They spit up because the muscle at the base of the esophagus does not completely close off after they eat and the liquid does comes back up. However, for most babies this doesn't cause pain. Only if pain is involved in their refluxing, is medication something to consider.

Answer 2

Zantac (Ranitidine) is usually well tolerated by most patients and side effects only occur rarely in my experience. If side effects do occur, then you would expect them to improve within a few days of stopping the medication. The most common side effects include abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. There are other rare side effects, including drowsiness and headaches. Serious side effects are rare but are listed on the side effect list. Medications effect people differently and it does not mean you will any or all of the side effects. I have had many patients on Zantac or medications like it and I have never had anyone complain of side effects. This does not mean they do not occur, but this is my experience. You can take Antacids occasionally with Zantac if needed. The side effects of Zantac usually occur with the duration of the activity of the drug. Zantac lasts about 12 hours. The side effects can last this time or may only occur during the first few hours. Some people may have side effects at first, which may resolve over time. It is hard to say what will happen in your case.
http://www.viagredeperfect.com

Answer 3

Yes, I have with my second son, who suffered terribly with reflux. After 2 to 3 days, he was a completely different baby. (Unlike Mylanta, Zantac gets in the blood and works that way, so it takes time to work.)

Please don't take the advice of the previous poster told you to use Hyland's colic tablets. Acid Reflux is TOTALLY different from colic. That's when acid backs up in the baby's throat because the opening to the stomach stays open, causing a burning sensation in the baby's esophagus. Nobody really knows what colic is, other than they think it's some type of intestinal/stomach/gassy condition. I don't imagine Hyland's tablets will hurt your baby, but why would you want to treat a symptom that she/he doesn't have?

Answer 4

My son was on the liquid Zantac for reflux and it was horrible. He would gag on the medicine because it was so bitter. I tried putting it in his bottles and he would take it that way. The only thing I found with the Zantac was instead of him crying until he spit he would spit with out crying. It didnt help the spitting. I finally took him off of it a month ago and started adding a tbl spoon of single grain rice cereal per ounce of formula to his bottles to thicken it up.(the doc suggested it) It works wonders. We also changed his formula to Enfamil Nurtamgin. Please try everything else before you put the baby on Zantac. I hope this helps if you have any other questions on it email me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

I cant comment on the medication you mention although my first child had similar problems. All I can suggest is keep feeds/meals small and regular. I put books under the head of the cot to raise it slightly and this seemed to aid digestion and minimise any reflux issues. Think it was a case of growing out the problem as apposed to the medical profession/medication sorting it. I also believe mums (and dads) know best so above any advice you have been given trust your instincts.

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Answer 6

A friend of mine had to give her son infant zantac and it worked wonders, he was a different baby within days!

Answer 7

yes my seconed son was on liquid zantac since he was 3months old and he out grew the reflux when he was about one, now he is a very healthy 6 year old

Answer 8

My daughter had this. i put her crib up slanted so her head was atop and higher than her body..also she was in the car seat...it helps keep the acid down. She gradually out grew it taking very small meals throught the day. She is 9 now and still eats a small amout during the day and she is beautif and will have a beautiful body..we should all eat like that .

Answer 9

If you think your baby has reflux/gerd talk to the pedi. This definitely can't be treated 'at home', not saying that's your intention. Here's a wonderful site you might find helpful: http://www.infantrefluxdisease.com/forums/

Answer 10

Don't use that. You can go to the health store and Hylands Colic tablets. My son had colic gas for 6 months and that stuff is the best.