Infant Zantac: An Overview
Many medications have little or no information available concerning use in infants.
Zantac® (
ranitidine hydrochloride), however, is a medication that has been studied in infants. In fact, the drug has been approved for use in children and infants as young as one month old. Zantac comes in two prescription forms that are easy to give to infants and children:
- Zantac EFFERdose® tablets -- these tablets have a light citrus flavor and are designed to be dissolved in water before giving them to your child.
- Zantac syrup -- Zantac syrup is peppermint-flavored.
Always discuss all medications for your child with your infant's healthcare provider. Do not give over-the-counter Zantac to an infant. It is not the right strength and is available only in tablets that must be swallowed whole.
Zantac has several approved uses for infants, including
- Treating infant ulcers (including duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers) and preventing these ulcers from returning once healed
- Treating infant GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Treating infant erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus, often caused by stomach acid).
Zantac Dosage for Infants
The dosing of Zantac for infants and children is based on their weight.
