GERD in Infants and Children (cont.)

• Mylicon
• Gaviscon

• Antacids such as Mylanta and Maalox
• Histamine-2 (H2) blockers such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, or Zantac
• Proton-pump inhibitors such as Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, and Protonix.

Researchers aren't sure whether decreasing stomach acid lessens reflux in infants.

For the most part, drugs that decrease intestinal gas or neutralize stomach acid (antacids) are very safe. At high doses, antacids can cause some side effects, such as diarrhea. Chronic use of very high doses of Maalox or Mylanta may be associated with an increased risk of rickets (thinning of the bones) or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Side effects from medications that inhibit the production of stomach acid are quite uncommon. A small number of children may develop some sleepiness when they take Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, or Tagamet.

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/gerd_in_infants_and_children/article.htm