Is simethicone an effective treatment for infant colic?
On One Hand: Simethicone May Relieve Stomach GasThe Medline Plus Encyclopedia defines colic as unexplained crying for three or more hours a day. According to the makers of Mylicon, the leading brand of simethicone, gas bubbles can cause abdominal pain, fussiness and crying in infants. Simethicone can be given to infants to ease the discomfort of stomach gas. According to Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates, colic is not caused by excessive gas and does not respond to gas relief medications.On the Other: Simethicone Does Not Improve ColicA randomized, placebo-controlled trial published by Pediatrics in 1994 concluded that simethicone is no more effective than a placebo for treating colic symptoms. When babies who showed signs of infant gas were formed into a group, results were the same regardless of whether the baby was treated with placebo or simethicone.Bottom LineSimethicone may be effective for treating the pain and bloating associated with infant gas. However, research shows tha
