Description:

Infacol (simeticone suspension) is a widely used over-the-counter oral medication specifically formulated to relieve the symptoms of infant colic, trapped wind, and griping pain in babies from birth onwards. It works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach and intestines, allowing small gas bubbles to combine into larger ones that are easier to pass through burping or flatulence. It does not get absorbed into the bloodstream and is not a drug in the conventional sense, but a physical defoaming agent. It provides effective colic relief for many babies without sedating or altering gut motility. In Ghana (Accra), Infacol is a very common, trusted OTC product in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for newborns and infants with excessive crying due to wind/colic.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana (and most countries worldwide). No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies, baby stores, and supermarkets for infants from birth.

Therapeutic Category:

Antiflatulent / Defoaming Agent (Simeticone-based oral preparation for relief of infant colic and trapped wind.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Simeticone (activated dimethicone) – 40 mg per 1 ml (0.4 g/10 ml in the standard bottle). Other ingredients: Purified water, hypromellose, sorbitol solution (non-crystallising), saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate (preservative), citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate, orange flavouring. The suspension is white/off-white, thin, and has a mild orange flavour (sugar-free, alcohol-free, lactose-free).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Infacol Simeticone Suspension 40 mg/ml (standard 55 ml bottle with dropper; most common in Ghana is the 55 ml or 100 ml bottle). Related variants: Infacol Wind Drops (same product under different naming in some markets), larger bottles (e.g., 100 ml refill), or combination products (rare). The queried “Infacol simeticone effective colic relief” typically refers to the standard 40 mg/ml suspension.

Consume Type:

Oral – Suspension (liquid drops; given directly into the baby’s mouth via the integrated dropper).

Directions/Usage: Shake bottle well before use.

• From birth onwards: Give 0.5 ml (one full dropper) before each feed (or as needed).
• Maximum: Up to 12 doses per day (one dose before every feed).
• Administer by squeezing the dropper directly into the baby’s mouth (on tongue or inside cheek).
• Can be given before, during, or after feeds.
• Continue use as long as colic/wind symptoms persist (usually safe for long-term use until symptoms resolve).
• Do not exceed recommended dose.

Common Side Effects: Extremely rare (simeticone is not absorbed and passes unchanged through the gut):

• Virtually none reported at recommended dose.
• Very occasional mild allergic reaction (rash) in hypersensitive infants (extremely rare). No sedation, constipation, or systemic effects.

Package Type:

Plastic bottle of 55 ml (most common) or 100 ml (larger refill) with integrated oral dropper (white plastic bottle with orange cap/dropper; labelled carton with dosing instructions and baby-safe warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. Keep bottle tightly closed. Discard 4 weeks after first opening (check label). Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Safe from birth (0+ months) – one of the few colic remedies licensed from newborn stage.
• No known drug interactions (not absorbed systemically).
• Safe in pregnancy/breastfeeding (used by breastfeeding mothers for colic relief).
• If baby has no improvement after 1–2 weeks of regular use, or if symptoms worsen (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, fever), consult a pediatrician (to rule out other causes like reflux, milk intolerance, or infection).
• Do not use if allergic to any ingredient (very rare).
• Keep dropper clean; do not share between babies.

Product Substitutes: Similar simeticone-based infant colic drops in Ghana include:

• Infacol (original brand by Forest Laboratories / Teva if stocked).
• Dentinox Infant Colic Drops (simeticone).
• Generic simeticone 40 mg/ml drops (various importers).
• Alternatives: Woodwards Gripe Water (herbal, not simeticone), Colief Infant Drops (lactase enzyme for lactose intolerance), or BioGaia Protectis Drops (probiotic). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Dannex Ayrton Starwin PLC (Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; manufactures Novafulvin, Ichthammol, and many OTC products including simeticone suspensions under various brand names). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Dannex Ayrton Starwin (headquartered in Tema/Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Dannex Ayrton Starwin PLC; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).