Is it possible to give a 5-year-old child half of a PPI tablet, since enteric tablets should not be divided and does this pose a risk of abdominal pain?

Enteric-coated tablets, such as PPIs (pantoprazole) used for acid reflux, should not be split or crushed, as they have a special coating to protect the active ingredient from the acidic environment of the stomach. Splitting the tablet destroys this casing, which may cause the medicine to be released too early, losing its effectiveness or causing stomach irritation that can manifest as abdominal pain.

In children, suspensions or capsules are often used to open with microbeads, which can be easily administered, for example, with yoghurt or mousse. In practice, children's medications are often available in dosing aids that do not require dividing enteric tablets. Administration of the divided enteric tablet is not recommended due to the risk of reduced efficacy and potential adverse reactions.

Reflux in a 5-year-old can be used (after consulting a doctor), e.g.:

Helicid - the drug is in the form of a capsule with granules and is available in low doses of 10 mg and 20 mg, the capsule can be conditionally poured into a teaspoon with food (e.g. yogurt). However, you must not bite the pellets that are in the capsule.

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/34578/helicid-20-kapsulki/apteki

Losec - opening capsules, registered from 1 year of age.

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/44947/losec-kapsulki/apteki

Gastrotuss Baby - oral suspension from the age of 2, creates a protective barrier that prevents the reflux of gastric contents.

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/32034/gastrotuss-baby-syrop/apteki

If you need more personalized advice, you can use teleconsultations here:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/telekonsultacja/z-pediatra