AboutJoe Haynes, R.Ph., MBA Expertise I can answer pharmacy/pharmacology questions as they relate to both pediatric and adult therapies. Please note that since I practice in Florida that I may not be able to answer specific questions regarding pharmacy practice in your state.
As a disclaimer, I have no financial interest in recommending or failing to recommend any drug product. My goal is to give you the best answer to your questions regardless of product.
Experience I have 24 years experience in pharmacy practice including pediatric and adult hospital, home-infusion, and long-term care (nursing home/ALF). I enjoy assisting with pediatric dosing and medication questions since children respond differently and are dosed differently than adults. I can help you determine if the dose you want to administer to your child is appropriate. I am currently director of pharmacy for a small community hospital in St. Petersburg, FL.
Organizations Florida Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
Florida Pharmacy Association
Education/Credentials BS in Microbiology from Auburn University (1989)
BS in Pharmacy from Northeastern University (1994)
MBA (generalist) from St. Leo University (2005)
Expert: Joe Haynes, R.Ph., MBA Date: 5/5/2008 Subject: Taking Zantac in less and more frequent doses?
Question Our 7-week old son has been taking Zantac for reflux for two weeks. The prescription from our ped says 0.3ml every 8 hours, i.e. 0.9 ml a day, while we have given our son 0.1 ml 7 times a day, mixed with breast milk/formula in each feeding. Our ped said our dosage will cause an overdose, but didn't give us any convincing reasons. We have tried adjusting amounts, but it appears that our son suffered more reflux when he changed to 0.3ml x 3. Should I switch in this case? Are the two dosages very different?
Answer Since the total daily dose you are giving is less than prescribed, there will not be an overdose the way you are giving it. Reglan is another drug typically given with feeds at a similar frequency. I haven't seen Zantac given that frequently before, but again, total daily dose is what you need to consider.
As long as you are seeing the results and are noticing no side effects, there should be no problem.
