Article: Simethicone

Simethicone, is an oral antifoaming agent used to reduce bloating, discomfort and pain caused by excess gas in the stomach or intestinal tract. Chemically, simethicone is a mixture of polydimethylsiloxanes that works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to coalesce into larger bubbles that can be passed more easily by belching or flatulence. Simethicone is not absorbed by the body into the bloodstream, and is therefore considered relatively safe with sources reporting the worst side effects as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas and heartburn. It is sometimes mistaken that Simethicone reduces belching or flatulence, but rather it can increase the rate at which gas leaves the digestive tract which could cause an increase in belching and flatulence.

Dosage

Simethicone comes in many different oral forms, which have differing usual dosages.

• Capsules or tablets:

Adults and teenagers: 60 to 125 milligrams (mg) four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. No more than 500 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.

• Chewable tablets:

Adults and teenagers: 40 to 125 mg four times a day, after meals and at bedtime or the dose may be 150 mg three times a day, after meals. No more than 500 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.

• Suspension:

Adults and teenagers: 40 to 95 mg four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. No more than 500 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.

• Dosages for children should be determined by a doctor.

Availability

Simethicone is generally available over the counter under many trade names in varying dosage sizes, including:

• Flatulex
• Baby's Own Infant Drops
• Gas Relief
• Gas-X
• Genasyme
• Maalox Anti-Gas
• Maalox Max
• My Baby Gas Relief Drops
• Mylanta Gas
• Mylanta Gas Relief
• Mylicon Drops
• Ovol
• Phazyme
• Imodium Advanced
• lnfacon

Other uses

While not indicated on the label, it has been reported that Simethicone is sometimes used by patients before a gastroscopy or a radiography of the bowel. Simethicone is also used in some detergents when foaming is unwanted.