Hi,
It is not the easiest thing in the world to administer, is it!! It is definitely not designed with babies in mind. Have you checked that it is ok to use the solution again in the evening? The information we have from AstraZeneca is that it should be used within 30 minutes of dissolving, so please check that leaving it until the evening is still viable.
AstraZeneca (manufacturer of Losec) recommends: To assist in the administration to young children, the tablet may also be dispersed in non-carbonated water (mineral water is not suitable) or non-carbonated fruit juice. Water should not be warmer than room temperature. Alternatively, you may disperse it in a small amount of water, and then add it to a spoonful of yoghurt (if appropriate), pureed apple or pear. If using something other than water, it must be slightly acidic and soft enough so that the child won’t chew it (to ensure the tablet is not chewed or crushed). Do NOT use milk/breast milk or formula in place of water, as it isn’t acidic.
Please note that the tablet will not dissolve completely in liquid- the small enteric-coated pellets containing the active ingredient will remain intact. Please take care not to crush these pellets. Once the tablet is dispersed in liquid, it must be consumed immediately or within 30 minutes. Give at same time each day.
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Parents come up with a few different ways of doing it, and perhaps their ideas might help. If you use a syringe with a wider neck, you will find they don't get quite so stuck- so that may be a 10ml syringe, a nurofen syringe and i think also a panadol syringe. I'm sure there is more with wide necks out there too. You could also try using an eye dropper, or even a spoon as a lot of parents have success doing that, even in quite young bubs.
It can also be made into a suspension, but because Losec itself is unstable, it is really important it is prepared by a compounding chemist. They need special equipment and training to ensure it remains effective. If you do use a suspension, confirm what they have used as a suspension agent, as it can affect the shelf life dramatically- it can range from as little as 10 days to as much as 45 days, depending on what they use (and those are the ones I know about). Also, a lot of refluxers seem to have food sensitivities, with cows milk protein being quite common- and sometimes whey powder is used as a suspension agent, to extend its life, so that may (or may not) be a factor to consider too.
I hope you find some way of giving Losec, as it can be really tricky. Sometimes it's more effective given twice a day, but some parents find it works best once a day- that may be worth talking to the doctor about as well, in case that makes life easier too. As I said though, sometimes it is more effective given twice a day.
Hope that helps
Glenda
Reflux Infant Support Association
Note: This information is general in nature and should not replace the advice or care of your doctor.
