Omeprazole Babies and Toddlers Drug Information
This page gives omeprazole babies and toddlers drug information, including action, dose and side effects.
Omeprazole medication is also known by the brand names Prilosec and Losec.
- How does Omeprazole work?
- Why is Omeprazole used in infants and toddlers?
- What is the dose of omeprazole in infants and toddlers?
- What are the side effects of Omeprazole?
How does Prilosec (omeprazole) for infants and toddlers work?
Prilosec and Losec are brand names for Omeprazole. Omeprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors act by decreasing the acid in the stomach of toddlers and infants.
Why is Omeprazole used in toddlers and infants?
Omeprazole (Prilosec, Losec) is used in toddlers and infants who have:
- GERD - or acid reflux disease. Read more
- esophagitis - inflammation of the esophagus
- H pylori infection - this causes ulcer-like symptoms
What is the Omeprazole Babies and Toddlers dosage?
The dose of Omeprazole (Losec, Prilosec) for infants and toddlers is:
- 0.7 mg/kg/day given once daily (the dose can be rounded to the nearest whole number)
- the dose can be increased if necessary up to 3 mg/kg/day and larger doses can be divided in 2
- the maximum daily dose would be 40 mg daily
So a 5 kg baby would require about 3.5 mg daily and a 10 kg infant would need 7 mg daily.
The medication should be given before meals.
If 10 mg capsules are to be used, then the capsule can be opened and the granules mixed with yoghurt or juice to be taken (the granules should not be chewed).
The dose should be reduced if there are kidney or liver problems.
What are the side effects of Omeprazole in toddlers and infants?
The most common side effects of Omeprazole (Losec, Prilosec) in infants and toddlers are:
In very rare instances, omeprazole can cause:
- liver problems - see your doctor if your baby or toddler becomes jaundiced, has pale stools and dark urine
- blood disorders leading to serious infection - see your doctor if your infant or toddler develops high fevers or is unwell
- skin rashes - see your doctor if your baby or toddler develops nasty skin rashes or ulcers in the mouth
References
- Epocrates. www.epocrates.com
- RCPCH. Medicines for Children. 2003
To go to the top of the Omeprazole Babies and Toddlers Information page, click here
To go to the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease page, click here
To go to the Medicines for Children page, click here
To return to the Home page, click here
Last reviewed 26 May 2011
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Dr Maud MD (MBChB, FRACP, FRCPCH), a specialist pediatrician, provides health information and medical advice for parents of babies and toddlers. Read more about Dr Maud.
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