Expert: Eric Brandt - 3/31/2005

Question
Hi. My 6 month old daugther...born at 33 weeks gestation...suffers from acid reflux and a milk protein allergy. She is currently on Reglan and Zantac with the possiblity of dropping the Reglan and starting Erythromycin. I was just reading some very scary information on the use of Reglan in children..for example that it can permanently change the way their brains work. Can you please tell me if it is best to avoid Reglan in children? Also, how does Erythromycin work with what my daugther suffers with? Thanks for your time and help!


Answer
Hi,
Reglan does not have to be avoided in children.
One has to be careful that the dose is not too high. A high dose can cause movement diorders, they resolve when the drug is discontinued. In newborns there is a risk of developing  methemoglobinemia because of their deficiency in NADH methemoglobin reductase.
I know how erythromycin can help with the symptoms you describe. It is an antibiotic.
Has your daughter been checked out for helicobacter?
This infection can cause stomach ulcers and reflux.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm