Since the 1800s, parents and health care providers have used gripe water to treat reflux, teething, colic and gastrointestinal upsets. According to a 2000 report in the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine," this popular over-the-counter infant remedy generally contains a combination of herbal extracts, sodium bicarbonate and a sweetener. Despite gripe water's overwhelming popularity, no large-scale clinical trials have evaluated its safety or efficacy. Few case reports have documented any adverse effects from gripe water formulas, but gripe water may be associated with several possible side effects.
Allergic Reactions
Medicinal herbs in gripe water can cause allergic reactions. According to the National Institutes of Health, chamomile---a weakly sedative herb used in gripe water---has caused many serious allergic reactions. Gripe water can cause such allergic reactions as hives, skin rash and upset stomachs. Babies with serious allergies may experience wheezing, throat swelling or difficulty breathing after taking gripe water.
Premature Thelarche
Because fennel contains anethole, an estrogen-like plant compound, it may have unanticipated effects on a baby's developing endocrine system. In November 2008, the "Journal of Pediatric Surgery" reported that this popular gripe water ingredient can cause premature breast development in infants if it is used frequently over an extended period of time. To prevent this side effect, the authors of the report suggest that parents limit their children's intake of fennel-containing supplements such as gripe water.
Drowsiness
Gripe water may contain sedative such herbs as chamomile, which could cause significant drowsiness and lethargy.
Cavities
The "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" expresses concern regarding the effects of sucrose and other cariogenic sweeteners in gripe water. The report notes that artificial sweeteners like aspartame are equally effective as gripe water ingredients.
