Pharmacy Corner - Colic - Treatment Options

Pharmacy Corner

Colic and Teething: Irritable, crying, fussy baby and it’s not a fever! Colic - Treatment Options

7. Should I treat my baby’s colic?

Colic will go away on its own with no long-term adverse effects.⁸ It does not require treatment. However, many parents want to do something and will try different treatment options.

8. What are some available over-the-counter products for colic?

None of the over-the-counter colic products have been actually proven to help with colic. The table below highlights the colic products.

Class	Dose	How it works	Side effects	Comments
Probiotic agents (such as BioGaia®)	Give 5 drops once daily, 30 minutes after feeding¹	Replenishes inadequate levels of healthy bacteria in the baby’s gut	None reported Generally well-tolerated No long-term data	May only work for breast-fed babies¹¹ Some studies have shown that it works and may work after 7 days of regular use. If no improvement after 21 days, stop using it¹¹
Simethicone 40mg/mL) (such as Ovol®)	0.25 -0.5 ml with or after feeding¹ Maximum: 1.5 mL/day¹³	Decreases gas and helps for gut discomfort	None reported Generally well-tolerated No long-term data	Does not work very well, but is safe to try May be added to formula, or given directly¹³ Start with the lowest dose first and then increase slowly if needed, do not exceed the maximum daily dose. If the product does not work after using it for a few days, stop using it.

9. Which colic treatments should I AVOID and could possibly HARM my baby?¹

Inappropriate therapy¹	Comments	Side effects
Alcohol	Doesn’t work	Intoxication, low sugar levels
Sedatives	Doesn’t work	Drowsiness and problem breathing
Gripe water	Doesn’t work Some products contain alcohol and sugar	Flatulence (gas)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)	Doesn’t work	Drowsiness, constipation

Note

You must consult a healthcare professional about the appropriateness of any of these methods.

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