Newborn colic, gas in the belly, simethicone, meteorism, Rilefast CE drops, Secol
Colic in the first months of life is one of the most frequent sources of anxiety for parents. The typical picture is that of a healthy, well-fed infant with normal growth who nevertheless experiences episodes of sudden, inconsolable crying, often in the evening hours.
The reference clinical review published on StatPearls describes infantile colic as a benign and self-limiting condition, usually appearing between the second and third week of life and gradually resolving by the third or fourth month. Precisely because the baby appears “well” between episodes, management focuses mainly on symptom relief and family support.
What the evidence says: clinical diagnosis and attention to warning signs
Studies reported in the literature highlight an important fact: in the vast majority of cases, excessive crying is not caused by an organic disease. For this reason, diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on medical history and physical examination, with the aim of excluding conditions that may mimic colic, such as infections, obstructions, food allergies, or ear–nose–throat disorders.
When warning signs do not emerge—such as fever, poor weight gain, bilious vomiting, blood in stools, or lethargy—the goal becomes helping the newborn tolerate this phase better and reducing factors that worsen discomfort, including meteorism. This approach is not only cautious but also helps protect parental well-being, often challenged by fragmented sleep and feelings of helplessness.
Gas in the belly and meteorism: the key factor that often makes the difference
In so-called “gassy” colic, the issue is not only crying but what accompanies it: a tense abdomen, body stiffening, legs drawn up toward the belly, difficulty passing gas or burping. Gas can result from air swallowed during feeding, an imperfect latch, an unsuitable bottle, or simply digestive immaturity.
When microbubbles of gas become trapped, intestinal distension increases the sensation of pain and cramps. This is where a mechanical antifoaming action can help, by reducing bubble fragmentation and facilitating their physiological elimination.
Simethicone: how it works and why it is used in gassy colic
Simethicone works through a physical mechanism: it reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles, promoting their aggregation and natural passage through the gastrointestinal tract. It is not a sedative and does not “switch off” crying; instead, it acts on one of the factors that can fuel abdominal discomfort.
While literature results are not always uniform, in clinical practice simethicone is often considered when symptoms clearly point to meteorism and excess gas. The formulation and ease of administration therefore become practical considerations, especially in early infancy.
Rilefast CE drops: olive oil–based simethicone for colic and meteorism
Rilefast CE drops (PJ Pharma) are a Class IIb MDR-certified medical device, designed for infants and children with gas-related disorders such as gassy colic, cramps, meteorism, and aerophagia.
The formulation is based on simethicone in olive oil, enriched with vitamin E and coenzyme Q10. A noteworthy aspect, highlighted in clinical and product materials, is the good dispersion of simethicone and its effective antifoaming action both in aqueous environments and in the presence of milk, a frequent condition in infant feeding routines.
Rilefast CE is also indicated as lactose-free and free from preservatives and artificial flavors, features often appreciated in pediatrics, where tolerability is essential.
Rilefast CE: reported clinical outcomes and practical use
Supporting documentation reports a multicenter study in infants under 6 months, with 14 days of administration and evaluation using the GIQLI questionnaire.
From a practical perspective, these data align with the idea that when meteorism is a dominant factor, acting on gas microbubbles can relieve abdominal tension and make the colic phase more manageable.
Secol: aqueous simethicone, easy to administer
Secol is a Class IIb MDR-certified medical device, formulated as an aqueous suspension of simethicone and indicated for the prevention and treatment of dyspepsia, gastroenteric meteorism, aerophagia, and gassy colic in infants and children.
Each package includes a rubber teat dropper, designed to simplify administration, particularly in younger infants.
Product materials clearly explain the antifoaming mechanism: simethicone promotes rupture of the surface film of gas bubbles and their coalescence, thereby reducing gas pressure within the intestinal tract.
Secol is also lactose-free and gluten-free, with a formulation specifically designed for pediatric use.
Secol: clinical evidence in colic and meteorism
For Secol, a multicenter study in infants under 6 months is described, again with 14 days of treatment and GIQLI assessment.
In practice, this type of evidence is particularly useful when parents describe a picture dominated by gas, a tense abdomen, and difficulty passing air, rather than other factors such as significant reflux or suspected allergy.
Daily management: what to combine with products to reduce colic episodes
In most cases, improvement comes from a combination of measures: more upright feeding positions, frequent pauses and burping, reduced air swallowing, a calmer evening environment, and regular routines.
When caregivers feel overwhelmed, the key safety recommendation remains the same: place the baby in a safe place and take a few minutes to regain calm and control.
If the pediatrician has excluded organic causes and the picture is consistent with gassy colic, the use of simethicone-based medical devices such as Rilefast CE drops or Secol can become a practical support, especially during periods when meteorism is evident and the abdomen appears tense.
Rilefast CE drops and Secol are available as ready-to-market products or in private label. Contact us for more information
Source: “Infantile Colic, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518962/, PubMed”
