Key messages

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is common in infants. But it is often misdiagnosed and treated unnecessarily with acid suppression therapy (AST).

AST has been shown to have no benefit for infants with gastro-oesophageal reflux or unsettled behaviours. In fact, the latest evidence shows ASTs are associated with an increased risk of gastroenteritis, community-acquired pneumonia, Clostridium Difficile infection, fractures and micronutrient deficiencies and asthma in infants.

Please use our clinical and parent resources to reduce unnecessary prescribing.

In collaboration with The Royal Children’s Hospital and three Victorian public hospitals, we have developed a number of clinician and parent/caregiver resources to reduce unnecessary prescribing of acid suppression therapies in infants in the Reducing unnecessary prescribing in infant reflux project.

Download the resources

SCV endorses The Royal Children’s Hospital clinical practice guidelines for managing gastro-oesophageal reflux and unsettled behaviours in infants.

Get in touch

Centre of Clinical Excellence - Women and Children
Safer Care Victoria
clinicalguidance@safercare.vic.gov.au

Page last updated: 21 Mar 2022

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