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]