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There is a cool, crisp breeze blowing and snow is coming down as winter is upon us. As your children recover from eating Christmas candy, parents should be aware of stomach aches that can accompany the small mountains of sugary goodies the little ones consume around this time of year.
There are many brands of stomach relievers available on the shelves of the over-the-counter section of your local pharmacy, but which one is right for your child? Age is the most important consideration when it comes to product selection.
Ages 2-5
In this age group the only active ingredient available in over-the-counter preparations is Calcium Carbonate. It is available from several manufacturers, Table 1 below lists the different brands of stomach relievers and important information about each in the table below.
One added advantage for these products is that they provide an excellent source of calcium for children. There are several different flavors available and the most common formulation
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available is a chewable tablet.
Another product that is available for this age group that specifically targets gas relief is GasX Tongue Twister Strips; these strips are dissolved on the child's tongue as needed, up to 6 strips each day, for gas symptoms such as bloating of the stomach.
Ages 6-11
The actual active ingredients available are no different in this age group; the only difference is that they can take higher doses of the medication. There is also one product, Maalox Junior, which combines both the stomach reliever and the gas relief product. Please see Table 2 below for doses.
The major concern in product selection for children 2 - 11 is the avoidance of any products that contain salicylates or aspirin. An example of products that contain these drugs and should be avoided in children ages 2 - 11 are Pepto-Bismol and Alka Seltzer. Taking these products in young children can cause a disease known as Reye's Syndrome. Special attention should be taken when picking out Pepto for a child, make sure that the box you select
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specifically says Children's Pepto to reduce your child's risk You should ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving these products to teenagers as well.
Ages 12 and up
The major changes for this age group are the inclusion of a group of stomach relievers known as H2 antagonists that include Zantac (ranitidine) and Pepcid (famotidine). Parents should follow the dosing recommendations listed on the box when giving this product to their children.
Ages 18 and up
Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as OTC Prilosec are available to this age group on top of all the other options previously outlined. Again attention should be paid to the box for proper dosing and maximum dosing information.
Please don't hesitate to ask your local pharmacist if any further questions arise when selecting any OTC products, and this year when you discover the painful moans you'll be better prepared.
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