The FDA has approved a second oral rotavirus vaccine, called Rotarix, which is in liquid form and is given in a two-dose series to infants of 6 to 24 weeks of age. The rotavirus infection results in vomiting and diarrhea in children. The new vaccine provides protection against the G1, G3, G4, and G9 strains, which cause rotavirus gastroenteritis. The vaccine is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, of Rixensart, Belgium.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved use of the drug Nexium in children aged 1 to 11 who have acid reflux disease.FDA said Thursday it approved liquid and delayed-release capsules of Nexium in doses of 10 milligrams or 20 milligrams for these youngsters. Nexium, manufactured by AstraZeneca is a proton pump inhibitor, which reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach and helps heal damage to the esophagus caused by excess acid.

The approval was for short-term use in these children, FDA said. The most common side effects in children were headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, constipation, dry mouth and sleepiness, the agency said.

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