Monday, February 13, 2012

Friday, October 24, 2008 WorriedMomma asks

Q: Is ZANTAC the safest reflux drug for infant?

My daughter has been showing symptoms of acid reflux for about 2-3 weeks. She is 5 weeks old. I have been looking at alot of ger and gerd sites and been noticing her symptoms become more prevelant than before. If I would have known so early on, i wouldnt have stopped breast feeding. She was constantly "gagging" and pulling off the breast. She would want to eat for 6 hrs straight and when I would take her off with in 15 min she would let out "pain" crys. Now we are on formula, our 3rd formula. I went to the dr a week ago and told her about her painful crys and pulling off the bottle and crying while  i was feeding, not to mention the gagging and regurtitation sounds i hear and somtimes dont see any "spit-up". She simply said then well if it continues it might be reflux. Thats when i cracked down on making sure i noticed this all ALOT more and how often it was happening. ALL THE TIME!!! Yesterday i called the dr office and left msg. My daughter is MISERABLE!!! and she smells like stomach all the time... today at dr apt she put my daughter on ZANTAC 75mg/5ml liguid. (.3ml 3times daily). We go for a follow up on this medicine in a week. Possible GI test if doesnt resolve. I am afraid to put my 5 week through the test. I read that with H2 blockers, an individual can become "immune" to them. Is this the safest drug out there for her and what is "better"

thank  you dana

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Answers (2)
10/25/08 8:28pm

Dear Worried Momma,

Well, I am worried too. Choking, gagging and gurgling sounds in her throat are worrisome. Your doctor is trying to evaluate the symptoms by trying a trial of treatment (Zantac). This is often called  empiric treatment and it allows the doctor to see if she has reflux without doing a test. If her symptoms improve, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis. If the symptoms do not improve, the doctor may suggest another treatment or a test to figure out the cause of the symptoms. 

 

It is also worrisome that she wants to drink constantly. Some babies try to drink often to trigger a swallow and push the acid back down the food pipe.

 

To answer your question about Zantac- has been tested and approved for babies from one month of age.

 

The main thing right now is getting a diagnosis. Then you and your doctor will be able to figure out the best treatment option for the symptoms to help your baby feel better.

Take care and keep in touch!

Jan Gambino

The Reflux mom

 

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9/15/09 5:06pm

Get the book "Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagament, Prilosec, and other Acid Blockers" by Martie Whittekin, CCN -- Amazon, Bamm, Barnes and Nobles, etc.

 

She recommends the probiotic Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics 12 Plus.  It can be given to newborns and up.  It cured my acid reflux.  I took Prevacid and Prilosec for over eight years.  I am no longer taking these drugs and can not remember when I have felt this good.  I am 55 years old.

 

Martie also has a internet radio show, www.RadioMartie.com, so check her out.  If you like what you hear and the remedy works for you, spread the word.  There are so many people who need this information.  Look at the archives for popular shows.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Debra

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