When to give Renitidine

Comment by JoanneRider on July 13, 2009 at 12:38pm

Hi there Sara

My lo used to be on ZANTAC Renitidine three times per day at 0.6 ml and then the dose was increased to 1ml 3x per day until we had to change to a PPI five weeks ago as the Renitidine was not providing any relief for her - I think its simply due to weight increases as the medication amounts must be reviewed as the baby grows.

Because Poppy did not seem to appreciate the flavour of it - if you try a drop yourself you will probably understand, as its a very strong taste with lots of alcohol(!) - she would not take it in between feeds with water and so, using a slim 1ml syringe, I used to administer to her during a milk feed.

Each time she was ready to take a little break from the bottle, I would let her take a moment and then gently put the small syringe into the side of her mouth - try to get the syringe gently slightly towards the back into the cheek if possible, apparently less tastebuds there and also less able to push the solution out of the mouth by the tongue. On the occasions pops did not take a little break during the feed, I would gently take the teat away from her mouth, administer a small amount (a quarter of the 1ml syringe) and then return the bottle teat to her mouth quite quickly so she would hopefully not be distracted by the taste.

It all took a little practice, but Renitidine did work effectively for Poppy for several months.

Wishing lots of luck to you and little Harry. He must be a little one with his starting dose of 0.3. I am sure it will give him some relief just remember that as he grows, the dose must be reviewed for you.

Best wishes jo

Comment by Sara Robinson on July 13, 2009 at 1:27pm

Hi Jo

Thank you, will give this a go well he is 10lb 8oz so not sure if 0.3ml is the correct amount for his weight he does seem to be lots better thank god as he was in so much pain.Did you just visit the doctor when you felt she needed it increasing?? How old is poppy now??

Best wishes

Sara

Comment by Sarah Moore on July 13, 2009 at 1:32pm

Saw the dr on Friday and he said that ranitidine was a higher dose when new born as they find it hard to absorb it but as they get older a smaller dose is needed because their bodies can absorb it better.

Comment by JoanneRider on July 13, 2009 at 1:51pm

Hi Sara - my GP unfortunately did not seem to know, we had to go back to hospital after a second very severe reflux attack - repeated projectile vomitting, mottled skin, unresponsive after a 3-hours screaming session and that is when they confirmed an increase to 1ml 3 x per day at the time. I have just checked my book and she was just 12 weeks then at that time (she is week 26 now and we are on a PPI instead). Just be aware that if he starts to get more pain back in the weeks ahead, you will be able to increase it safely with instruction from your GP or hospital team. Lets hope the 0.3ml dose will hold well for him for a long time - as each baby is so individual, this may well be the case, fingers crossed for you both.
Best wishes, jo

Comment by Sara Robinson on July 13, 2009 at 2:04pm

Hi Jo - I know thats what worries me my doctors is useless!!! It was my health visitor in the end who actually said he had Silent reflux!!!!
Harry is not sick at all, just has really bad acid!!! What a worry for you as i dont know what i would of done if he was sick as well!!!
How did you get on with weaning poppy? And did you find it helped her in any way going onto solids?? As i was thinking of weaning Harry at three months anything to help him!!!
I still cant quite get over it that he has this as i work with children and have only ever come across the reflux where they vomit!
Thanks for all your comments as i said it really helps!

Thanks Sara

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