How long did you wait for Zantac to work?

My boy has been on Zantac for 4 days now, and he really hasn't had much improvement. He has a little but I think that is from the mylanta, as he doesn't improve until after I give him it.
My question is, how long should I give it to work until I take him back to paed. I have an appointment in two weeks for a check up with him, to see how he is going on the zantac and to see if we need to put him on losec instead. But I just don't want to wait that long if he is still in pain.
How long did you give it to work, before you asked for losec?
Or could I try give him gaviscon instead of the mylanta, as I have read it releaves the heart burn more.
Or should I stop trying to fix things myself and try get him back into see the paed again?
All these questions I have must be driving you all crazy. I'm just so new at this reflux thing, as DD never had a problem.

Hey Mel

Im sorry to hear that your little man isnt feeling the best

the zantac should be having some postive results by now

I would avoid giving him gaviscon, especially if this is not what the paed gave you...and stick to using the mylanta

reflux is one of those things that can be so draining as a mum...but it does get better, everyday your little man's gut will be developing and reducing the impact of reflux.

If you are not happy, I would definately encourage you to go back to the paed sooner rather than later...

other things that can really help with reflux are baby massage and osteopathy...one that is trained in dealing with babies

hope this helps

xx yogababy

What is the dose? Zantac is extremely weight sensitve, if you are seeing some difference it may just need to be increased. If you give me his weight I can work out what the recommended dose is for him.

In terms of how long to give it, zantac some positive results is usually seen within a couple of days, but true results may take a couple of weeks, it depends on a lot of things, including how severe it is, and if it has caused any inflammation while it has been untreated.

I would get the dose checked, if another week it isn't any better, I would move on to another med.

With the mylanta/gaviscon, these should only ever be given under doctors agreement, and generally for periods less than two weeks, first off some types contain aluminium and also they contain some chemicals shouldn't be given full time to a baby. Zantac is a safer option and also a better one (if it works) as it will last longer than mylanta which is a quick relief but not for as lasting.

Reflux does drive you nuts with the should I shouldn't I, but eventually you get the hang of it.

He is about 6kg maybe a couple of hundred gms more, he was 5.9 nearly 2 weeks ago.
Thanks Scarlet, the paed told to give me .5-1ml. I'm currently giving him 1ml. He seems to be getting a little better, maybe I just need to perservere (sp?).

Mel, the dose for a 6kg child would be 2-4ml a day.

So 2 would be the lower end, divide that by the number of times a day you give it and that is the dose.

For the higher end, 4 ml would be the daily dose, divide that by the number of times a day you give it and that would be the dose.

Dosing for zantac is
weight (in kg) x 5 (for minimum or 10 for maximum) divide by 15.

It may take a week or so to notice true difference, but I think that you should get it upped to those doses for the best effect. I used to increase Parkers every 100g gained, it was that sensitive for him,.

Thanks Scarlet, that is what he is on. 1ml 4 times a day. But the problem is he spits it all up as he hates the tastes. I have made an appointment tomorrow to talk about trying losec. I don't want to have to keep him on mylanta or gaviscon daily to get him relief.
Thanks agin for your help.
So, what can you tell me about losec ?????;)

They are just different types of reflux medications. The zantac works quicker and on the acid that is there, wheras the losec works to stop the acid actually being produced. It can take a good two weeks for it to work and dosing is as hard as the zantac.

They do eventually get used to the zantac, Parker used to fight it so bad, so I know exactly what you are going through, but hopefully he won't be like that for very long.

Our Paed advised us to mix the Zantac with a small amount of the milk but not to mix with the whole bottle. I do 1 ml Zantac 3 times per day mixed with 9 ml milk each feed. she also has thickener in the formula.