zantac mylanta conflict

Use: Histamine H2-receptor antagonist.
Ranitidine reduces the amount of stomach acid produced and thus prevents reflux causing inflammation in the oesophagus, and also allows existing inflammation to heal. It does not decrease the amount of spilling or vomiting. It may take from a few days to a few weeks to see an improvement in your baby/child after starting Ranitidine. The dosage may need adjusting for weight as the baby grows. Ranitidine syrup contains ethanol (alcohol) and was not formulated for paediatric use. It has however been used successfully in the treatment of reflux in children for many years.
Dosage and administration:
4 – 8mg per kilogram per day, in 2 – 3 divided doses. In some circumstances a three-times a day 2 – 4mg/kilo dosage of Ranitidine is sometimes required.
It comes in syrup form: 150mg in 10ml. Zantac is a bitter mint flavoured medication, and may not be accepted by the infant. Peptisoothe is spearmint flavoured and is the only fully subsidised Ranitidine syrup. It can be flavoured (a pinch of chocolate instant pudding mix is one idea) to encourage the baby to take it. Diluting is unlikely to make this medication more acceptable and we do not recommend doing so. If it is diluted it needs to be used immediately as it affects the preservative and the medication will become cloudy.
It is important not to give Gaviscon or Mylanta within two hours of giving Ranitidine, as these antacids will reduce its effect. The magnesium in these two medications reduces the absorption of Ranitidine by 20-25%. Magnesium containing supplements should also not be given within two hours of Ranitidine.
Side effects: Side effects are rare, but the more common ones may include headache and dizziness.