Infant Mylicon (Simethicone) Dosage for Gas and Colic
The recommended dosage of Infant Mylicon (simethicone) for gas and colic in infants is 0.3 mL with each feeding, but evidence shows it is no more effective than placebo for treating infantile colic.
Evidence on Simethicone Effectiveness
- Multiple randomized controlled trials have found that simethicone (Mylicon) is no more effective than placebo in treating infantile colic 1, 2.
- A Cochrane systematic review concluded there is no evidence to support the use of simethicone as a pain-relieving agent for infantile colic 1.
- Despite the lack of proven efficacy in controlled studies, an open-label trial reported that symptoms improved or resolved in 78% of infants after one day and 86% after seven days of treatment with Mylicon Drops at a dose of 0.3 mL with each feeding 3.
Dosage Recommendations
- The typical recommended dosage for Infant Mylicon (simethicone) is 0.3 mL with each feeding 3.
- This medication is available as an over-the-counter preparation specifically formulated for infants.
- Simethicone is generally considered safe with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials 1.
Alternative Approaches for Colic Management
Dietary modifications may be more effective than simethicone:
Behavioral interventions:
- Decreased stimulation has shown some favorable results in managing colic symptoms, though studies have methodological limitations 4.
Common Pitfalls and Caveats
- Parents often perceive improvement with simethicone even when controlled studies show it performs no better than placebo 2.
- Most infants with colic do not actually have increased intestinal gas volume; rather, the symptoms derive from normal physiology, misinterpretation of symptoms, or increased intestinal sensitivity 5.
- Colic is self-limiting and typically resolves by four months of age, regardless of treatment 1.
- Unlike dicyclomine (another medication sometimes used for colic), simethicone has not been associated with serious adverse effects in infants 1.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If colic symptoms are severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as:
- Poor weight gain
- Fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Lethargy
These may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical evaluation rather than simple colic 1.