Reflux babies

Can anyone tell me the difference between Zantac and Prevacid for babies. My daughter is on Zantac for her reflux but was told she might need to be on prevacid also. Thanks.

Re: Reflux babies

zantac is an H 2 blocker, while prevacid is a Proton pump Inhibitor.

These are drugs such as Zantac® (ranitidine) and Pepcid® (famotidine) also older agents such as Tagamet® (cimetidine) and finally, Axid® (nizatidine). These drugs all work the same way. They block acid production by blocking the receptor primarily responsible for stimulating the acid-secreting cells known as parietal cells. The problem with these drugs in children is that children develop tolerance very rapidly to the effects of all H-2 blockers. This can happen in as little as one week. You will know it is happening because your child will no longer feel good. So in other words, they start feeling good when you start the Zantac or Pepcid at the beginning, and then a week or so later they are back to square one. A special note—never use H-2 blockers along with PPI drugs. This is because the H-2 blocker will prevent the PPI drug from working. It is ok to give a PPI drug at breakfast and supper and then four hours or more later at bedtime give an H-2 blocker. But this is not together.

Generic and Trade Names for H-2 Blockers:

Ranitidine (Zantac®)
Famotidine (Pepcid®)
Cimetidine (Tagamet®)
Nizatidine (Axid®)

4. PPIs
PPIs are the drugs of choice for treating acid-related disorders in children. They are highly effective with a very wide safety margin. The main problem is that they are underdosed in kids (See PPI Dosing Information). Children metabolize PPI drugs 2-3 times faster than middle-age adults and as such they require the drug to be given 2-3 times per day to make up for the rapid elimination. Nexium® (esomeprazole) and Prevacid® (lansoprazole) are enteric-coated, tiny granules that require a longer period of time to be effective. A new liquid product, Zegerid™ powder for oral suspension, is available which contains omeprazole in a true suspension. [Prevacid® delayed-release suspension contains enteric-coated granules and does not go into a true suspension]. Zegerid™ is the first true suspension of PPI drug. It is suitable for use in children. ChocoBase™ and CaraCream™ have been used to convert Prevacid® into true suspension in the past.

Note: The makers of Prilosec® and Nexium® have voluntarily withdrawn prescription Prilosec®.

Generic and Trade Names for PPIs:

Lansoprazole (Prevacid®)
Esomeprazole (Nexium®)
Pantoprazole (Protonix®)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex®)
Omeprazole + buffer (Zegerid™)

Re: Reflux babies

my doc refused to put hannah on a ppi b/c of "potential" side effects. i would have prefered her on a ppi, but she responded well to the zantac.