I have a 4 mo. old infant recently diagnosed with GERD. He is on liquid Zantac 4 times per day. He will not swallow the meds, and I have been giving it in his bottle, but then he spits up and I am not sure how much medicine he is really getting. He is not on cereal yet, but that will probably come when he sees the doctor in two weeks. How should I give him his doses until then?
Q: how do I dose liquid Zantac to a 4 mo. infant not yet on cereal?
Answers (2)
7/18/08 10:05pm
Dear MMyers,
I know some babies don't like taking medication. Luckily there are several options to make the medication more tolerable. First, many pharmacies are able to change the flavor of a medication using FlavorX flavorings. Second, the pharmacy or the doctors office may be able to give you a small syringe for medication. It will help with measuring the dose too. Place the syringe along the outside of the gums and gently squeeze out a bit at a time. Placing the medicine at the back of his mouth will avoid the sensitive taste buds on his tongue. You may need to give him medication followed by his bottle when he is most hungry and knows the bottle is coming.
A third option is the melt in your mouth Zantac Efferdose. This can also be dissolved in water and given with a syringe. Some parents tell me their babies will dissolve the efferdose when placed in the cheek or on the tongue.
Hope you find a way to get your son to take his medication. Maybe another parent will post their ideas too.
Take care,
Jan Gambino
The Reflux Mom
9/15/09 5:05pm
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
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
