Proton-pump inhibitors

Generic name	Brand name
___ omeprazole	Prilosec®
___ lansoprazole	Prevacid®
___ rabeprazole	Aciphex®
___ pantoprazole	Protonix®

 

 

 

 

 

How does this medicine work?

Proton-pump inhibitors block the amount of acid the stomach makes.

How should I give it?

The medicine comes in pill and capsule forms. It can also be made into a liquid.

This medicine is usually given 1 or 2 times a day. Give it at regular times to keep a steady level in the bloodstream. Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine. Follow the checked instructions below:

___ Capsules should be swallowed whole. If your child cannot swallow it, you can open the capsule and mix the contents with water or a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of soft food such as applesauce. Your child should swallow it without chewing. Make sure your child takes all of the mixture.

___ Solutabs (disintegrating tablets): your child, if old enough, should hold the tablet on his or her tongue until it melts, and then swallow or drink some water to wash it down.

___ Liquid: The pharmacy will either make the liquid for you, or will give you instructions for mixing it. Store the liquid form in the refrigerator. Shake well right before using. Draw up the correct amount in the medicine dropper or oral syringe.

___ For infants younger than 1 year, you may dilute the medicine with an equal amount of formula or breast milk and give it with a bottle nipple before a feeding. Do not add medicine to a whole bottle because if your baby does not finish it, you will not know how much of the medicine was taken.

___ For children (1 year and older) taking the liquid, give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek. To avoid choking, let your child swallow each squirt before giving more. If it tastes bad, you may mix it with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of soft
food such as applesauce. Make sure your child takes all of the mixture.

Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?

This medicine should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before eating. It is best to give it with water only.

Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If one dose is missed, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Never give a double dose.

If a baby (up to 1 year old) vomits a dose, do not repeat the dose. If a child (1 year or older) vomits within 15 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If a child vomits after 15 minutes, do not repeat the dose.

Call the doctor if your baby or child misses or vomits 2 doses in a row.

What are the side effects?

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting (throwing up)
• headache
• dizziness
• feeling tired
• altered taste

When should I call the doctor?

• chest pain
• extreme weakness
• rash or itching
• sleeping problems
• trouble breathing
• stool changes to black and tarry
• vomit contains blood or has a "coffee-ground" appearance
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• signs of allergic reaction:
  - rash or hives
  - wheezing
  - trouble breathing - call 911

What else do I need to know?

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's care. Please bring the medicine container when your child comes to the clinic or emergency department.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescriptions, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left, the pharmacy will need 2 or 3 days to contact the clinic to renew the prescription.

Before giving the first dose, read the label. Be sure it is what was prescribed. After a refill, if the medicine looks different to you, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it.

Check the label for expiration date. Flush outdated medicines down the toilet instead of putting them in the garbage.

Store the liquid form of this medicine in the refrigerator. Store all medicines in their original containers and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children's reach, locked up if possible.

If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Last reviewed 8/2015 

Back To Top