There is little or no scientific evidence to support the use of colic treatments, although they are unlikely to be harmful.⁷

Analgesics

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are licensed for use in babies. These drugs were dealt with in detail in articles in this series in August and September 2014; here, only presentations, indications and dosages for infants will be described.

Ibuprofen

• Available as a sugar-free suspension containing 100mg/5ml.
• Licensed for babies from age three months for relief of mild to moderate pain, including teething pain, and reduction of fever, including post-immunisation pyrexia.
• Dosage – age 3-6 months, 50 mg (2.5ml) up to three times in 24 hours; age 6-12 months, 50mg up to four times in 24 hours.
• Doses should be given at 6-8 hour intervals, with a minimum of four hours between doses. Maximum length of treatment before referral to a doctor: 24 hours for babies aged up to five months, and three days for up to age 12 months.
• For post-immunisation pyrexia: 50mg, followed by one further 50mg dose after six hours if necessary.

Paracetamol

• Available as a suspension (both sugar-containing and sugar-free versions are available) containing 120mg/5ml
• lndications as for ibuprofen
• Dosage – age 3-6 months, 60 mg (2.5ml); age 6-12months, 120mg (5ml), both to a maximum of four doses per day.
• For post-immunisation pyrexia: 60mg, with a second 60mg dose after 4-6 hours if necessary.