Practice guidelines widely differ on recommendations for colic, but they do consistently agree on:
- clinical evaluation of the mother and baby
- parenting information, advice, support, and reassurance
- continuation of breastfeeding
- probiotic supplementation in breastfed-only infants[1]
Pharmacological treatment of colic is seldom indicated.[1][2]
The utility of simethicone (which aims to prevent gas bubbles from forming in the gastrointestinal tract) for colic is inconclusive or unfavorable, with moderate to low quality evidence.[1][2][3]
Dicyclomine hydrochloride was effective for reducing crying time,[4] but is not approved for infants less than 6 months old due to side effects and is not recommended.[5] Cimetropium bromide might be effective,[6] but has possible adverse effects and is not approved for use in infants in Canada and the USA.[7][3]
Proton pump inhibitors are ineffective compared to placebo for treating colic, and may have significant adverse effects.[8][9][10][11]
References
- ^Ellwood J, Draper-Rodi J, Carnes DComparison of common interventions for the treatment of infantile colic: a systematic review of reviews and guidelines.BMJ Open.(2020-Feb-25)
- ^Biagioli E, Tarasco V, Lingua C, Moja L, Savino FPain-relieving agents for infantile colic.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2016-Sep-16)
- ^Camilleri M, Park SY, Scarpato E, Staiano AExploring hypotheses and rationale for causes of infantile colic.Neurogastroenterol Motil.(2017-Feb)
- ^Weissbluth M, Christoffel KK, Davis ATTreatment of infantile colic with dicyclomine hydrochloride.J Pediatr.(1984-Jun)
- ^Hall B, Chesters J, Robinson AInfantile colic: a systematic review of medical and conventional therapies.J Paediatr Child Health.(2012-Feb)
- ^Savino F, Brondello C, Cresi F, Oggero R, Silvestro LCimetropium bromide in the treatment of crisis in infantile colic.J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.(2002-Apr)
- ^Lucassen PColic in infants.BMJ Clin Evid.(2010-Feb-05)
- ^Moore DJ, Tao BS, Lines DR, Hirte C, Heddle ML, Davidson GPDouble-blind placebo-controlled trial of omeprazole in irritable infants with gastroesophageal reflux.J Pediatr.(2003-Aug)
- ^Di Lorenzo, COther Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants and Young ChildrenPediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.(December 2013)
- ^Benninga MA, Faure C, Hyman PE, St James Roberts I, Schechter NL, Nurko SChildhood Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Neonate/Toddler.Gastroenterology.(2016-Feb-15)
- ^Gieruszczak-Białek D, Konarska Z, Skórka A, Vandenplas Y, Szajewska HNo effect of proton pump inhibitors on crying and irritability in infants: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.J Pediatr.(2015-Mar)