My pediatrician prescribed Nexium to my 4 month old baby for reflux. What are the risks/side effects?

Hello Ma'am,

In fact, the use of Nexium and all of the PPI (proton pump inhibitor) class of medications, somewhat increases the risk of your baby developing food allergies, drug allergies, seasonal allergies and asthma in the future. According to a recent study, the risk appears to be somewhat greater with Nexium than with Zantac (about 2 times greater than a patient who has never taken stomach medication. Note that such a risk is also possible with antibiotics. And it appears that the risk is less in children over 6 months of age (at the time the medication is taken).

Another recent study shows a possible risk of increased bone fractures in children. We believe this is because decreasing the acidity of the child's stomach somewhat reduces calcium absorption.

This should not preclude taking the medication, but rather should encourage parents and physicians to use the medication for a short period of time and frequently reevaluate the need to take the medication.

Don't hesitate to come back and ask me a question.

Hopefully,

Alexander