PPI question for Joel

Well Tiffany,

From what I can see, there are two things that could possibly be affecting the action of the Prevacid.
1) If the meal is being given too soon after administering the Prevacid, then it can reduce the absorption of the drug significantly. This is one reason why it is recommended that the drug be given on an empty stomach.

2) If the meal is too acidic, then it may not raise the pH of the stomach enough to stimulate the parietal cells and turn on the proton pumps (which have to be in an active state in order to be blocked by a PPI). I would think that a meal of pasta would still raise the pH enough to do the job, but perhaps not.

The problem may also be dose related or something else entirely. It’s hard to say.

Hi Tiffany –

How are you sure that it’s reflux waking him up in the night? I’m just asking because Owen’s been up a lot lately at night too but I’ve been thinking that it’s just developmental since he’s just started really walking. I’d hate to be overlooking reflux symptoms, particularly since he’s on a much lower dose (14 mg daily, split am/pm) and weighs about the same as Seth. I am thinking more along the lines that if it is health related, his may be more MSPI than reflux – but maybe I’m wrong! Just thought I’d ask since it never hurts to have more options with this stuff…

It is SO frustrating! Just when we thought everything was getting better we get these curveballs thrown our way. Owen was up last night for about an hour and 1/2 from 12:15 – 1:45. Ugh! We even tried bringing him to our bed (which we never ever do) and of course it was so novel for him he just wanted to play and kept saying “Uh-oh” over and over again! It did make me laugh, but it would have been much funnier if it had happened at 6am, not 1am!