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Carminatives are substances that prevent the formation and/or promote elimination of intestinal gas by an antispasmodic effect on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle. They are frequently used to treat infant colic, and are usually easily obtained over-the-counter in pharmacies and other health-related stores. They are seemingly not identified as drugs by the caregiver, which increases their sense of security, plus there is a lack of control in the presentation and marketing of these products. In addition, some carminatives include belladonna alkaloids and/or star anise, substances that could have serious side effects. All this is cause for concern, as there are many factors that together may increase …
Footnotes
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Collaborators Javier González Durio.
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Competing interests None.
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Patient consent Obtained.
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Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.