Understanding Acid Reflux in Young Children: Prevacid vs. Nexium

Question
Hi Dr. Aukerman,

My 4 yr. old son was diagnosed with acid reflux by a pediatric pulmanary specialist this past spring after trying to find the cause of a chronic cough and sinusitus.  He has been taking prevacid with good results. The prescription ran out and our insurance will no longer pay for prevacid. They are recommending Nexium and some others. I'm concerned about trying a new drug since he has done so well. What are the differences between the two drugs and is nexium safe for children? My pharmasist said prevacid was the only one tested for children,though she was told they were all safe for children. I appreciate you response and thank you for being a part of this service.    Christine

Answer
They are all approved for children so I would go on cost. OTC prilosec is usually the least expensive if you do not have insurance coverage, otherwise it is the one the insurance company gets a rebate for. OK?

You may want to consider omega 3 essential oil in the liquid form too.