A recent safety alert issued by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised parents and healthcare professionals not to use rectal catheters (gas and colic relievers) in infants, including for the treatment of colic, gas-related discomfort, or constipation. The MHRA recommends stopping the use of these products immediately because there is insufficient clinical evidence that they are effective, and the potential risks outweigh any unproven benefits.
This important update highlights the need for evidence-based care when managing infant colic, gas, or constipation. Parents should avoid using unproven devices and instead seek medical advice if their baby’s symptoms persist or worsen.
What Is Infant Colic?
Infant colic is a common condition that affects healthy babies, usually within the first few months of life. It is characterised by prolonged periods of crying without an obvious medical reason.
Common symptoms include:
- Crying for more than three hours a day
- Pulling the legs toward the tummy
- Clenched fists
- Facial redness while crying
- Difficulty settling, particularly during the evening
Although colic is distressing, it is generally temporary and improves as babies grow.
What Are Rectal Catheters?
Rectal catheters, often sold as gas or colic relievers, are small, single-use plastic tubes designed to be inserted into an infant’s rectum to release trapped gas.
These products are available online and in some retail stores without a prescription. Some parents use them in the hope of relieving gas, constipation, or colic symptoms.
However, the MHRA has now advised that these devices should not be used in infants.
What Does the UK MHRA Safety Alert Say?
On 18 August 2026, the MHRA published Device Safety Information DSI/2026/008, advising that:
- Rectal catheters should not be used in infants.
- They should not be used for colic, gas-related discomfort, bloating, or constipation.
- Parents and caregivers should stop using these products immediately and safely dispose of any unused devices.
- Healthcare professionals should not recommend these devices for infants.
Why Are Rectal Catheters Not Recommended?
The MHRA identified several important concerns.
1. Lack of Clinical Evidence
Current evidence does not demonstrate that rectal catheters effectively treat infant colic, constipation, or trapped gas.
2. Risk of Physical Injury
Because an infant’s rectum is delicate, inserting a catheter may increase the risk of:
- Rectal trauma
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Perforation (a hole in the bowel)
Although the exact risks are not fully known, the MHRA concluded that they cannot be considered acceptable given the lack of proven benefit.
3. Delayed Diagnosis
Temporary relief of gas may mask symptoms of serious gastrointestinal conditions such as bowel obstruction or volvulus, delaying diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
4. Infection Risk
These devices are intended for single use. Reusing them may increase the risk of introducing infection.
Safe Ways to Manage Infant Colic
Most babies with colic improve without invasive treatments. Parents can try:
- Burping the baby during and after feeds
- Gentle tummy massage
- Bicycle leg exercises
- Holding and rocking the baby
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Checking feeding techniques to reduce swallowed air
If symptoms persist, seek medical advice rather than using unapproved devices.
When Should You See a Paediatrician?
Parents should arrange a medical assessment if their baby has:
- Persistent or excessive crying
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Poor feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Severe constipation
- Abdominal swelling
- Difficulty waking or unusual sleepiness
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires prompt evaluation.
Why Professional Medical Assessment Matters
Colic-like symptoms may actually be caused by:
- Cow’s milk protein allergy
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Constipation
- Feeding difficulties
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Other medical conditions
A qualified paediatrician can perform a thorough assessment, identify the underlying cause, and recommend safe, evidence-based treatment tailored to your baby’s needs.
The recent MHRA safety alert is an important reminder that rectal catheters should not be used in infants for colic, gas-related discomfort, or constipation. The devices have insufficient evidence of effectiveness, and concerns remain regarding potential injury, delayed diagnosis, and infection risks.
If your baby has persistent symptoms, seek professional medical advice rather than relying on products that are not recommended. Early assessment and evidence-based care are the safest ways to support your baby’s health and wellbeing.