Side Effects of Prevacid in Infants

Prevacid is a prescription medication that is used to treat babies, children and adults with stomach ulcers or esophagus damage caused by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, allowing the damage to heal and relieving the bothersome symptoms of acid reflux. It is FDA-approved to treat children as young as one year old, but it is sometimes prescribed to younger infants as an off-label use because it is known to be safe.

Headache

• Some babies taking Prevacid for acid reflux may develop headaches as a side effect of the medicine. Babies are not generally able to communicate this to their parents or caretakers, so they may seem unusually fussy or irritable if this side effect develops.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Similar to the effects Prevacid is known to have on some adults, a few babies using it may develop constipation or diarrhea. These conditions can be bothersome for parents, but they are no reason to worry.

Stomach

• Some babies taking Prevacid will experience mild nausea and vomiting or stomach pain. Nausea and stomach pain may not be easily noticeable in a baby, but they may become fussy if these conditions develop.

How to Take It

• Infants taking Prevacid will need to take it exactly as prescribed to get the full benefits of the medicine. Because Prevacid is given to babies as an oral susepnsion, it is important to correctly measure out the dosage before administering it.

Drug Interactions

• Prevacid is known to interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications or may in some cases increase the likelihood that users will experience side effects. Medicines that are known to interact with Prevacid include antibiotics such as ampicillin and calcium and iron pills. Be sure to tell your pediatrician and pharmacist about any other medicines your baby may be taking before using Prevacid.