Medication Information for: Ranitidine oral liquid (Zantac) or Famotidine oral suspension (Pepcid)

Why? Ranitidine and famotidine decreases the amount of acid in the stomach. Too much acid causes pain (like heartburn) and can result in feeding and breathing problems. Your doctor will decide when you should stop giving this medicine.

How? Give ranitidine or famotidine as ordered. Ranitidine is usually given three times a day. Famotidine is usually given two times a day. If you miss a dose, do not try to make up for it by giving more.

Your baby's dose is:
_____________mg in ______________ml, _________times a day at______________o'clock and _________________o'clock.

Famotidine liquid should be kept in the refrigerator. Ranitidine can be kept at room temperature. Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose. The dose may be mixed with a small amount of milk to prevent choking.

Any problems? Most side effects would be seen in the hospital before the baby goes home. Report to your pediatrician any signs of constipation, diarrhea or irritability. Call the doctor if the baby vomits two regularly scheduled doses.

Ask you pharmacist about the costs of these medicines , before getting the prescription filled. One or the other of these similar medicines may be much less expensive. If there is a less expensive choice, talk over the change with your pediatrician and get a new prescription.

ALWAYS KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Never give medication in the dark.

Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you may not be able to obtain more.

Kelly Burch, PharmD
November 1999
Revised August 2004
(provided by St. John's Mercy Medical Center)