All parents, without exception, should know which medicines for colic in newborns are most effective. After all, this is a problem that the vast majority of babies face. Intestinal colic refers to attacks of painful crying, which are provoked by acute abdominal pain. In this article we will tell you how to cope with this condition, which drugs are considered the most effective.
Status Features
There are a lot of medicines for colic in newborns. Choosing the most effective is an important task for young parents. Intestinal colic is a painful condition that worries the baby about three times a week for at least three hours.
This syndrome occurs during or immediately after feeding. Acute pain causes spasm of the intestine and excessive gas filling. Because of this, the baby becomes too restless, raises its legs, constantly cries. As a rule, colic appears late in the evening. It is believed that their main reason is the adaptation of the infant's still immature digestive system to living conditions outside the maternal womb.
This condition is accompanied by low intestinal motility, weak digestive enzyme activity, and unstable intestinal microflora. The appearance of colic is facilitated by violations of the infant's diet, improper feeding technique, the baby’s temperament and even the emotional atmosphere in the family.
Colic is a temporary discomfort for the baby. However, as a rule, it is not possible to identify any organic disorders. After the discharge of feces and gases, they pass by themselves. However, waiting for this is not necessary, there are many ways to help your child to relieve pain. Now there are many drugs for colic in newborns.
Treatment
Doctors have been studying this functional disorder for quite some time, but this did not bring any tangible results. There is still no consensus on the cause of the origin of intestinal colic. Because of this, it is impossible to advise a universal drug that will suit everyone without exception.
To stop the pain syndrome, medicines for colic in newborns are selected in several stages. First they try herbal carminative preparations, then simethicone medicines and, finally, enzymatic ones.
In addition, experts advise initially to review the nutrition of the newborn during lactation, use physical methods to calm the baby, and try different mixtures with artificial or mixed feeding. If these methods do not work, you can try to give medicines to newborns for colic and gas. The child needs to be given the opportunity to independently cope with the problem.
Herbal remedies
Herbal-based herbal remedies help eliminate spasms and reduce gas formation. As a rule, they contain extracts of anise, fennel, caraway seeds, peppermint, dill. One of the most effective drugs for colic in newborns is considered the drug "Plantex". Some studies claim that it helps get rid of colic in more than 90% of newborns over the age of two months. Especially if the disorder is mild.
The basis of many herbal remedies is fennel essential oil, which effectively stimulates the digestive processes. It helps to improve the motor activity of the digestive tube, the production of gastric juice. The active components that make up its composition reduce the concentration of gases, relieving spasms.
"Plantex" for colic is prescribed one sachet per day. It is a granule for making tea, which can be added to an artificial mixture or breast milk. It should be noted that Plantex contains lactose, therefore, the drug is contraindicated in patients with lactose deficiency.
It is worth emphasizing that herbal remedies help only in the early stages. If gas formation is strong or the attack has already begun, they are already ineffective.
Defoamers
If the main cause of colic is excessive gas filling, then simethicone-based drugs are used. This is activated dimethicone, which acts as an antifoam. With its help, gas bubbles are destroyed, their further formation is blocked in the mucus of the digestive tract or intestines.
Among the advantages of simethicone are the preservation of the balance of microflora in the intestine. In addition, it does not form addiction, does not affect the absorption of food and the secretion of gastric juice, is completely excreted from the body with feces.
Due to these properties, such drugs are considered one of the best medicines for colic for newborns. However, it makes sense to take them only at the time of the attack. Among the top medicines for colic in newborns based on simethicone, “Sub Simplex”, “Bobotik”, “Espumisan” are distinguished. We consider each separately.
Cure for colic for newborns "Bobotik" Polish production. It contains 66.6 mg of simethicone per milliliter. You can give the drug to the child as soon as he turns one month old. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the American "Sub Simplex" is almost 70 mg / ml. The main advantage is that the child is allowed to use it from the moment of birth. The German Espumisan contains 40 mg of simethicone. It is intended for infants.
Studies on what drugs can be given to a newborn with colic show that, of the listed drugs, Sub Simplex is the most effective. During an attack, he helps more than 90% of babies. The product tastes good, it is easily soluble in milk and milk mixture. It is worth noting that this is a lactose-free remedy, so there are no restrictions when taking it. Moreover, it can be given in combination with other drugs. However, "Sub Simplex" does not help with impaired motor activity of the intestine due to its immaturity.
Intestinal microflora disorders
If the main cause of colic becomes an upset intestinal microflora, completely different drugs should be given. After the baby is born, the microflora is formed in the newborn very slowly. At the same time, most experts consider the effectiveness and reasonableness of the use of biological products and enzymes when trying to cope with colic debatable. If the balance of a healthy flora is disturbed, they often speak of an early sign of the development of the disease.
As a result of examination of the intestinal contents, up to 90% of infants show a disorder of microbiocenosis. What is considered a serious risk factor in case of excessive gas formation. This affects the motor activity of the intestine, preventing pain.
Judging by the reviews of medicines against colic in newborns, the Lactazar drug is among the leaders. This is an effective and inexpensive means of domestic production. Its action is based on the fight against undigested protein. A key component of the drug is lactase. It contributes to the breakdown of protein in the intestines, as a result of which the baby gets rid of the discomfort that occurs after feeding. It is worth noting that this tool is considered a dietary supplement. The manufacturer claims that it is not able to harm the baby, as it interacts with breast milk.
It is recommended to take it before each feeding. The contents of the capsule must be diluted in water or warm milk. Reception is possible from the first day of life. Contraindication to use is only individual intolerance.
Communication with mother
In 2006, American scientists analyzed the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a way to calm a baby with an attack of colic. It turned out that a positive calming effect was established from certain actions of the mother. 87% of newborns became easier to wear on their hands, 82% - from breastfeeding, 67% - from walking, 63% - with motion sickness.
As the main hypothesis, the version is considered that the contact of the baby’s abdomen with the surface of the mother’s body creates effective obstacles for the extension of the intestinal walls by gases. The physical and emotional connection with the mother greatly helps.
Enterosorbents
Another group of effective drugs is enterosorbents. There are many reviews of what to do with colic in newborns. Medications that are advised in this case help to contain toxins and allergens. They absorb pathogenic microflora, as well as harmful products of its vital activity, removing them from the body in a natural way. It is believed that enterosorbents are indispensable if colic is caused by an allergic reaction of the body.
In addition to the main function (removal of intoxication), they also increase the body's immune resistance. They cleanse the body of toxins, improving the general condition of the baby.
Now consider what medicine to give a newborn for colic if they are caused by an allergy. Domestic remedy Enterosgel, which is a paste for oral administration, helps well. It is used to effectively relieve allergic symptoms of any origin. Among the contraindications, only individual intolerance to the components.
Most are satisfied with this tool, however, some note that its duration is very short. For infants, the dosage is half a teaspoon, which should be mixed with water in a ratio of one to three. Instead of water, you can also use infant formula or breast milk. This drug should be taken six times a day, that is, almost at every feeding the baby throughout the day. Please note that you should first consult with a specialist.
Among the shortcomings of this drug should be noted its high cost and quick consumption.
Probiotics
Researchers at the faculty of pediatrics, based on the Russian Medical Academy, claim a positive effect from the use of probiotics.
Probiotics are a class of microorganisms that are used for all kinds of therapeutic purposes. They also include biologically active additives and foods containing live microcultures in their composition. They play a large role in the normalization of intestinal microflora, especially in infants. It is due to probiotics that the intestines can be colonized with beneficial bacteria that ensure the normal functioning of the digestive system. For example, these funds are prescribed without fail when it becomes necessary to undergo antibiotic treatment.
The drug "Linex" helps to quickly relieve symptoms of intoxication. This is a probiotic designed to regulate microflora. It can be bought in powder or capsule form. Used for the prevention and treatment of dysbiosis accompanied by flatulence, with allergic reactions, abdominal pain. The product has high effectiveness, however, it is not recommended for hypersensitivity to individual components, as well as for intolerance to dairy products.
For children, a product called Linex Kid is available. It is a powder intended for the preparation of a suspension. From birth to two years, it is recommended to give one capsule three times a day. Before this, you must always consult a pediatrician.
The entire contents of one capsule is poured into a spoon and poured with a small amount of baby food, water or breast milk. Please note that the liquid must be warm, but not hot.
Baby Kalm
Based on the feedback of young parents, we can distinguish several of the most effective means. For example, this is an Israeli medicine for colic in newborns Baby Kalm. In fact, it is a dietary supplement.
It has a carminative effect, eliminating flatulence in a baby with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by bloating. The product is released in bottles with a dispenser. As part of this Israeli medicine for colic in newborns, dill, anise and peppermint oil. Each of the components has a particular effect. Fennel oil has a carminative effect. In addition, it relieves spasm, having an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Anise oil, removing spasm, activates the intestines, and peppermint oil has calming properties.
Baby Kalm begins to act as soon as it is in the gastrointestinal tract. In its dosage form, it is a concentrated mixture of vegetable oils, which should be diluted with water to an emulsion state. Chilled boiled water is used, which is poured directly into the bottle. The infant should be given ten drops before each feeding.
Cuplaton
Another effective drug is Kuplaton. It helps not only eliminate colic, but also cure flatulence. This is a Finnish cure for colic in newborns, which when ingested completely eliminates or significantly reduces flatulence. Helps to eliminate pain in infants, softens and accelerates the process of removing gases from the intestines.
Release "Cuplat" in the form of drops of white or yellow color for oral administration. The main active ingredient of this drug is dimethicone. Also in its composition are sodium saccharin, silicon dioxide, sorbic acid, polyoxyethylene stearate, sterile water, glycerol monostearate.
This drug also helps adults. During pregnancy and during the period of feeding the newborn, there are no restrictions on the use of this product, since it is not absorbed in the stomach and does not penetrate into breast milk.
A child under the age of six months should be given four drops before each feeding, adding to breast milk or water.