Used To Treat Reflux

The cells of the stomach contain pumps that produce acid to aid in digestion. During a reflux episode, the stomach acid comes up into the esophagus. It is the acid that makes the reflux painful.

Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to control the acid in your baby's stomach.  Reflux medicines used to treat infants typically fall into three categories:

Generic (Brand) Names: Cimetidine (Tagamet), Ranitidine(Zantac)

What they do: Reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces

How they work: The chemical histamine causes certain cells of the stomach to produce acid by attaching to places on the cells called H2 receptor sites. H2-receptor antagonists attach to the H2 receptors and block the histamine from attaching to the receptors.  This inhibits the productions of acid.

Side Affects: headache, dizziness, gynecomastia, malaise

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Generic (Brand) Names: Omeprazole(Prilosec), Lansoprazole(Prevacid)

What they do: Reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces

How they work: The cells of the stomach contain pumps that produce acid to aid in digestion. PPIs inhibit the production of acid from these pumps, reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.

Side Affects: Reported to be uncommon but can include allergic reaction, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea.

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Generic (Brand) Names: Metoclopramide (Reglan ), Cisapride (Propulsid)**

What they do: Keep the contents of the stomach from reaching the esophagus, reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.

How they work: Prokinetic agents make the valve between the stomach and the esophagus shut tighter. They also make the contents of the stomach empty quicker.

Side Affects: Reported in over 30% of patients.  Include: nausea, diarrhea, nervous system side affects, drowsiness, restlessness, dystonic reaction, extrapyramidal symptoms

 Can have interactions with other medications. ** Propulsid is no longer available in the US.

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Additional Links for Reflux Medicines

Product Homepages

Prevacid
http://www.prevacid.com/default.asp

Prilosec
http://www.priloseconline.com/prilosec/inhibitors.htm

Zantac
http://www.zantac.com/syrup.html

General Sites

Simple Explanation of Types of Reflux Medicines
http://www.refluxinchildren.com/medicine.html

How is GER treated?
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/newborn/diagnose/ger-infants.htm

Medications
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~disa/GOR%203.html

Medications/Surgical Management
http://staff.washington.edu/growing/Feed/GER.htm

Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment
http://www.drgreene.com/21_843.html

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Disclaimer: By viewing this page, you are acknowledging that you have read and agree with the Terms of Use.  This website is not intended as medical advice.  Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your child's condition.  This site was last updated January 21, 2012.  All contents copyright © 2004 InfantReflux.Org.  All rights reserved.