Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

Self-medication for infants with colic in Lagos, Nigeria

Kazeem A Oshikoya1, Idowu O Senbanjo, Olisamedua F Njokanma

  • 1Pharmacology Department, Lagos State University College of Medicine, P,M,B 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. med_modhospital@yahoo.com

BMC Pediatrics
|February 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Nigerian mothers often self-medicate infants for colic due to a lack of knowledge. Health education is crucial for improving the management of this common infant condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Infantile colic is a common, self-limiting condition often misdiagnosed.
  • Existing research covers colic's causes and treatments but not maternal self-medication practices.
  • This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding self-medication for infantile colic in Nigeria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess Nigerian mothers' knowledge of infantile colic.
  • To investigate home-based management and self-medication practices for infant colic.
  • To identify specific medications used in self-treatment of colic.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study conducted in 20 primary healthcare centers in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • 800 mothers interviewed using open- and close-ended questionnaires during infant vaccination.
  • Data collected on colic knowledge, home management, and self-medication patterns.

Main Results:

  • 85.4% of mothers reported good knowledge of colic, identifying excessive crying as a key symptom.
  • 67.7% of infants with colic were treated via self-medication, with herbal remedies (51.8%) being common.
  • Nospamin (49.5%) and Gripe water (43.0%) were the most frequently used self-medicated drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Nigerian mothers demonstrate a deficit in understanding infantile colic.
  • Self-medication is the predominant home-based intervention for infant colic.
  • Targeted health education is essential to enhance parental management of infantile colic.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling07:11

Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling

Published on: February 5, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...