Some physicians believe that abdominal cramps cause colic, though they usually make no attempt to explain the source of such cramps. Often they are pragmatists more interested in using a medication that works than in determining underlying causes. This can be a angerous approach, for it turns out that the single medicine shown to have an effect in relieving colic is one called dicyclomine hydrocholoride, known more familiarly by its trade name, Bentyl. This medication is an antispasmodic intended for adults, and its side effects include drowsiness and lethargy. Physicians who prescribe it for colic do so on the assumption that it relieves the mysterious, undocumented abdominal cramps. It is just as possible, however - and iss my own belief - that it is the side effects, not the antispasmodic effect, that reduce crying - by sedating the infant, or medicinally inducing sleep. Thus, the fact that Bentyl reduces colic in some excessively crying infants in no way confirms that these infants were suffering from abdominal cramps.
But this point is a technicality compared with the other consequences of the use of Bentyl in infants. In fact, no one knows how often these side effects occur when used in young infants or how intense they might be. Even more alarming, however, are the recent reports of serious, life-threatening side effects - differing from those showing up in adults - from the use of this drug in infants under three months of age. Episodes of apnea, seizures, coma, and even death have been reported with the use of Bentyl in this age group.
Clearly, the risks of using this drug for infants far outweigh any possible reductions in excessive crying. Forunately, infant colic syndrome can be treated and prevented effectively without the use of any medicaion whatsover.
