When infants spit up, as they often do, the culprit may be acid reflux. This condition, which MayoClinic.com notes is quite common among babies, happens when stomach acid and whatever liquid or food babies have ingested spills out of the stomach and into the esophagus. Acid reflux can prove stressful for infants and their parents alike, but several different types of medications can help relieve the condition.
H-2 Blockers
H-2 blockers can reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. When infants have less acid in their stomachs, they're less likely to suffer from reflux, MayoClinic.com explains. Examples of H-2 blockers include famotidine, which is known by the brand name Pepcid, and raniditine, known commercially as Zantac. Many babies have taken H-2 blockers without experiencing problems, so they're considered to be safe, reports Children's Hospital Boston; however, parents need to be aware of potential side effects from H-2 blockers that include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, liver inflammation and blood count changes. MayoClinic.com also warns that infants who take H-2 blockers face an increased risk of some respiratory and intestinal infections.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors also reduce the amount of acid that the stomach makes, but tend to have a stronger effect than H-2 blockers do, states Children's Hospital Boston, so they should be used only for infants who have severe cases of acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole, sold under the brand name Prilosec, and pantoprazole, sold as Protonix. MayoClinic.com cautions that taking proton pump inhibitors can make babies more prone to some intestinal and respiratory infections. Also, Children's Hospital Boston warns that proton pump inhibitors are newer than H-2 blockers, so while they appear to be generally safe, there is less research to support their safety than there is for H-2 blockers. Some infants who take proton pump inhibitors experience side effects such as hyperplastic stomach polyps and liver problems, according to Children's Hospital Boston, and recommends that if they are given to an infant for a long period of time, a gastroenterologist should monitor the baby.
Prokinetics
These types of medications improve the way food moves through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, getting it through faster than normal to help infants spit up less. Examples include metaclopramide, brand name Reglan, and cisapride, brand name Propulsid. However, Children's Hospital Boston cautions that prokinetics may potentially cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, so they should only be given under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in babies with severe cases of acid reflux.
