Ranitidine and Gaviscon at the same time??

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Permalink Reply by emma louise kelly on April 13, 2010 at 23:18

Hi Kathryn, when my lo was in hospital she was prescribed omeprazole, no-one mentioned anything to me about when best to give etc so I started giving it before an evening feed at which time I was putting gaviscon into each bottle. I then read label next day and it said "do not give at same time as indigestion remedies" so I rang my GP in panic and he said don't worry it won't do her any harm, will just stop it being as effective. I said well thats pretty important, what is point in giving drug if it's not going to work! So he suggested not giving gaviscon at time of meds which I did. Have since stopped giving gaviscon as causing severe constipation in my lo. Hope this helps xx

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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Shaw on April 14, 2010 at 12:04

Hi Emma,
Thanks for your reply, you would think they would tell you that they don't work as well when given together wouldn't you, makes you wonder sometimes!!
My baby is nearly 12 weeks and been on the gaviscon from 5 weeks never had any probs with constipation but not sure it doesn't seem to be working as well as when she first started on it, because she doesn't drink the recommended amount for her weight i can't add another dose so i don't think one dose is enough for her anymore.
Waiting for a paed appointment in may.
Have you finding the omeprazole? x

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Permalink Reply by emma louise kelly on April 14, 2010 at 12:20

I know, they just give you these drugs and send you on your way. Not once has a doctor actually gone through the basics of reflux with me i.e. tilting cot, keeping upright after feeds etc. It's only due to the web that I found out so much info. They are crap. My lo is now 13 weeks and weighs 12lb 6 oz. She was on 2 sachets per bottle at 8 weeks old on recommendation of gp, was then given lactulose to stop the constipation but that caused diarrhoea so I stopped both and since I haven't noticed any change in symptoms. My lo doesn't seem to get on well with meds. The omeprazole has helped certainly but it seems to have brought it's own problems i.e. stomach cramps and again constipation.
I expect she has outgrown the dose and needs it increasing, but as you say if she is not drinking enough you won't be able to do that. What milk is she on as there are thicker ones available that seem to do same job as gaviscon, might be better. The ranitidine should be helping, how are you getting on with that? x

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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Shaw on April 14, 2010 at 13:20

Madeleine's on Nutramigen 1 because she has a milk protein allergy she seemed to mainly have silent reflux as she was not bringing up much just choking and bringing up clear fluid alot especially at night.
She used to scream alot during feeds and bring her legs up but since starting nutamigen is a lot better but still doesn't like feeding wriggles, fights the bottle and will often only take a couple of oz's at a time.
Since starting the ranitidine she has been a lot happier and now sleeps through the night but has started to bring feeds up alot more than she was and sometimes will gag as soon as you go near her with the bottle.
Basically all would be fine if you didn't have to feed her.
The hv was suggesting domperidone on the recommendation of the dietician going to see her this afternoon so will see what she says.

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