Generic
Simethicone
21 brands available in the market
At a glance
Simethicone is an antiflatulent used to relieve gas, bloating, fullness, and windy colic. It works by changing the surface tension of gas bubbles, allowing easier passage and elimination of gas.
Description
Simethicone is an antifoaming agent that changes the surface tension of gas bubbles in the GI tract, enabling them to coalesce and be eliminated more easily by belching or passing flatus. It relieves upper GI bloating, pressure, fullness, and stuffed feeling. It is also used prior to endoscopy and radiography.
Indications
- Flatulence
- Abdominal distention
- Fullness
- Windy colic
- Infantile colic
- Peptic ulcer
- Large bowel preparation
- Antifoaming agent in detergent poisoning
Therapeutic class
Anti-Dyspeptic/Carminatives
Pharmacological class
Antifoaming Agent
Pharmacology
Simethicone changes the surface tension of gas bubbles in the GI tract. It causes the collapse of foam bubbles, allowing smaller gas bubbles to coalesce into larger ones that can be eliminated more easily by belching or passing flatus. It is physiologically inert with no adverse effects reported after oral ingestion.
Mechanism of action
Changes surface tension of gas bubbles to facilitate gas elimination.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 40-125 mg (0.6-1.9 ml drops) 4 times daily; max 500 mg/day
- OR 1-3 chewable tablets 4 times daily; max 500 mg/day (12 tablets)
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- >12 years: 40-80 mg (0.6-1.2 ml) 4 times daily; max 500 mg/day
- 2-12 years: 40 mg (0.6 ml) 4 times daily
- <2 years: 20 mg (0.3 ml) 4 times daily; max 240 mg/day
Administration
- Take after meals and at bedtime
- Can be given with infant's feeds
- Shake the bottle well before each use
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Physiologically inert; no adverse effects reported after oral ingestion
- Loose stools (rare)
Precautions & warnings
- Do not exceed 12 doses per day except under medical supervision
- Keep out of reach of children
Contraindications
No known contraindications
Drug interactions
- Antacids (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate) may reduce simethicone's defoaming effect
Food interactions
Alcohol is safe with Simethicone; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: No evidence of harmful effects; may be used if needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Excretion in breast milk has not been established and is unlikely; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children (age and weight-based dosing)
Geriatric use
Safe for elderly
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Not applicable (not absorbed)
Hepatic Impairment: Not applicable (not absorbed)
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if overused.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Simethicone