Reflux Meds - which does what?

[Js Mum]

For all of us out there, can you please clarify what all the different reflux meds do - as in which ones neutralise the acid, which stop ot forming etc (such as Mylanta, Zantac, Zoton, Losec, domper etc)

Also, my bub is on 30mg of Zoton (15mg twice a day) - but it doesn't seem to last the 12 hours in between (he starts gulping, sucking his tongue, coughing and gagging at around 3 - 4 am and pm - he has his meds at 7am/pm) - can I give him Zantac or something like in between the Losec doses to get us through the 12 hrs?

[RISA]

Hi,
Thanks for contacting our organisation. With regards to your question about whether you can give Zantac in between doses of Zoton, I will have to refer you back to your doctor or pharmacist (RISA is a parent group, and cannot give advice on medications like that as we have no medical qualifications). Some parents in our group I know do use both types of medications, but it is of course something tht you need to discuss with your doctor. If the Zoton is not effective enough, they may consider other options as well, like increasing the dose, adding in other medications, looking at whether food sensitivities are a factor, and those kinds of things. It's important too, that your doctor is aware of what is going on, and that you contact them if you have any concerns.

There are several different types of medications that are commonly used to treat reflux, and the information we have been given by a pharmacist from the RCH is this -
Antacids e.g. Mylanta offer short term relief by neutralising acid
Thickening Agents e.g. Infant Gaviscon thicken the stomach contents, making it more difficult to reflux. They do not decrease acid production.
H2RAs (Histame-2 Receptor Antagonists) e.g. Zantac suppress acid production. They are generally more effective than antacids, but not as effective as PPIs.
PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) e.g. Losec, Zoton, Nexium suppress/stop acid production. They produce a greater reduction in acid secretion, and have a longer duration than H2RAs, and are generally more effective.
Prokinetics (Motility medication) e.g. Domperidone, Erythromycin, Maxalon help move food through the gut more quickly.

Of course, that is only a very basic outline of the more commonly used medications, although i hope that helps. Every child is different though, and some will suit one medication more than another. There are also side effects to be considered, as well as administering them etc.

If you would like some further information on the medications, it would be best to talk to a pharmacist (or you can contact Medicines Line on 1300 888 763).

I hope that helps, but please talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Glenda