Colief Infant Drops for Lactose Relief - 7ml

Product Summary

Short-term lactase deficiency can result in the temporary digestive discomfort caused by undigested lactose in food, causing wind, bloating and discomfort. This can be an important factor in some babies with colic.

Most children grow out of lactase deficiency. However, some people may be genetically predisposed to lactose deficiency and may be unable to digest lactose in adulthood.

Colief Infant Drops contain the natural enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk by up to 70 percent, aiding digestion and helping reduce the symptoms of colic associated with hours of crying in babies.

Colief Infant Drops can be used from birth, whether breastfeeding your baby or using formula milk, allowing you to continue with your preferred method of feeding.

When your baby has stopped showing signs of colic, their digestive system may have matured.

The amount of Colief Infant Drops being used can gradually be reduced for a gentle 'weaning off' of the Colief drops.

Key Features

• 100% Natural
• Reduces the hours of crying
• Sugar-free
• Safe from birth
• Effective with your preferred method of feeding – both breast and formula milk
• Gentle to wean off

Directions

Please read the full instructions detailed on the leaflet enclosed carefully. Colief Infant Drops should be added to your baby's milk each time you breast or bottle feed. For breastfed babies, express a few tablespoons of breast milk into a small, sterilised container and add 4 drops of Colief. Give this to your baby on a sterilised spoon, and then continue to breastfeed as normal.

For formula-fed babies, simply add 4 drops to warm (but not hot) mixed formula milk and gently mix or shake in the bottle. Discard any unused formula.

Do not give the drops to your baby directly. Do not give more than 64 drops in any 24-hour period. Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully. Do not use if the seal is broken on the bottle.

Ingredients

Glycerol, Lactase Enzyme (Kluyveromyces lactis) 4,500 FCC NLU/g, Water

Suitable for vegan and vegetarians

Warnings and Restrictions

• Do not use if the seal is broken.
• Do not give the drops to your baby directly.
• Do not add to milk that is too hot or too cold.
• If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
• Do not exceed the recommended daily intake (no more than 64 drops in any 24-hour period).

If you think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this medicine, please seek medical advice before using it.

If you have any questions after you have bought this medication, please speak to your pharmacist.

Storage

• Store at or below room temperature (max 25ºC).
• Do not freeze.
• Once opened, keep refrigerated and discard after 3 weeks.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacists FAQs Answered

How do Colief Infant Drops help to alleviate symptoms?

Colief Infant Drops contain lactase, a naturally occurring enzyme that digests lactose—a naturally occurring sugar in milk. In babies with a temporary lack of lactase, lactose is not digested and may lead to symptoms like wind, bloating, and discomfort. These symptoms are all typical of colic, especially if a baby cries for long periods of time for no known reason. By adding Colief drops to your baby's milk before feeding, the enzyme starts to break down the lactose, making it easier to digest and reducing symptoms of digestive discomfort. For most parents, this means fewer crying episodes and a happier baby.

Is Colief safe for newborns?

Yes, Colief Infant Drops are suitable from birth and can be used whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed. The product is gentle, natural, and free from sugar, making it a safe and supportive option for easing early digestive discomfort. However, following the instructions carefully is important and never giving the drops directly into your baby’s mouth. Instead, always mix them into milk as directed. If you're unsure whether your baby's crying is colic-related or not, don't hesitate to seek reassurance and advice from a healthcare professional.

Can I put Colief in every feed?

Yes, Colief is designed to be mixed with every formula and breast milk feed to help break down lactose continuously. For each feeding, add four drops to the expressed breast milk or warm formula before feeding your infant. This helps your infant receive the enzyme to digest lactose effectively. Do not use more than 64 drops in 24 hours, and always throw away any milk your infant doesn't finish to ensure safety and hygiene. If you notice there is a persistent improvement in your baby's comfort and less crying, you can gradually wean off the drops on the advice of your healthcare professional.

When do I stop using Colief?

As your baby matures, their digestive system will naturally mature, and they will begin to produce more of their own lactase enzyme. Signs that it is time to stop using Colief include reduced crying, reduced gassiness, and more settled feeds. Once colic symptoms have been improved for a while, you can begin to reduce the number of drops taken with each feed. This "weaning off" allows you to observe your baby's response without the enzyme supplement. If there is no recurrence of colic symptoms, then your baby is likely ready to return to feeding without Colief.

Can Colief be mixed with hot milk or straight from the fridge?

No. Colief drops should not be added to very hot or very cold milk. The enzyme works best in warm milk, which activates it further without altering its structure. Add the drops once the milk has been left to cool to a safe, warm temperature for bottle-fed infants. For breastfed babies, express some warm milk and add the drops before feeding. If the milk is too hot, the lactase enzyme will be deactivated, and if it is too cold, the enzyme may not be very effective either. Make sure to test the temperature of the milk before feeding and follow the leaflet's instructions for optimal results.

Are there any side effects or risks to watch out for?

Colief Infant Drops are very well tolerated, as they contain only lactase, glycerol, and water—all simple, non-irritating ingredients. However, if your baby seems to develop a strange rash, vomiting, or diarrhoea, or if their symptoms worsen, stop using the drops and seek a medical opinion right away. Always check the label for allergens and do not use if your baby is allergic to any ingredients. Also, remember not to exceed the stated dose and to discard any unused milk to prevent bacterial contamination.

How do I store Colief Infant Drops after opening?

Before opening, Colief can be stored at or below room temperature (up to 25°C), out of direct sunlight. After opening, however, the bottle must be kept in the refrigerator and used within three weeks. Do not freeze the drops, and always tighten the cap firmly after each use. This storage keeps the enzyme active and destructive bacteria out. Like all medicines, keep the bottle out of children's reach and vision.

Are Colief Infant Drops suitable for families following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle?

Yes, Colief Infant Drops are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, offering a reassuring solution for families looking for natural, plant-based solutions to infant feeding problems. The lactase enzyme itself is sourced from Kluyveromyces lactis, a yeast, and the other ingredients—glycerol and water—are also vegan-friendly. This offers parents an excellent choice for an effective, ethical, and gentle colic remedy without compromising dietary principles.