Simethicone
About Simethicone
Simethicone belongs to a group of medicines called anti-flatulent agents used to treat symptoms of flatulence (gas/wind) such as painful or uncomfortable pressure, bloating, and fullness. It is also used as a diagnostic aid to facilitate the removal of gas from the stomach and intestine prior to gastroscopy, sonography of the abdominal organs and spine, and x-ray examination.
Simethicone contains Simethicone that works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitating the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents the accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract.
Take Simethicone as prescribed. You are advised to take Simethicone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Simethicone is mostly safe and does not cause any side effects. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have ileus disease, thyroid problems, or obstructive gastrointestinal disorders. Simethicone should be given to children in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Simethicone
Medicinal Benefits
Simethicone belongs to a group of medicines called anti-flatulent agents used to treat symptoms of flatulence (gas/wind), such as painful or uncomfortable pressure, bloating, and fullness. It is sometimes prescribed to people with irritable bowel syndrome to ease the symptoms. Simethicone is also used as a diagnostic aid to facilitate the removal of gas from the stomach and intestine prior to gastroscopy, sonography of the abdominal organs and spine, and x-ray examination. Simethicone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitating gas expulsion through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents the accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract. Simethicone may also help with wind, bloating, and colic pain in children.
Directions for Use
Storage
Drug Warnings
Do not take Simethicone if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have ileus disease, thyroid problems, obstructive gastrointestinal disorders, or phenylketonuria (build-up of phenylalanine in the body). Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription/non-prescription medicines or herbal supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Simethicone may have interaction with hormone (levothyroxine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have ileus disease, thyroid problems, obstructive gastrointestinal disorders, or phenylketonuria.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Simethicone. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Simethicone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safe if prescribedSimethicone does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionConsult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if prescribedSimethicone should be given to children in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid onions, sprouts, cabbage, turnips, lentils, and beans as they may cause bloating.
- Cut down on fatty and spicy foods and fizzy drinks.
- Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is found in chocolates, tea, coffee, and energy drinks.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat slowly.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid using straws for drinking liquids.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Flatulence: Flatulence, also known as gas/wind, is the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract. It could occur due to aerophagia (air swallowing), functional dyspepsia (indigestion), peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, infant colic, or post-operative gaseous distention. Symptoms include a sensation of pressure in the abdomen, bloating, fullness, and intestinal spasms.
FAQs
Simethicone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitating the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents the accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract.
Simethicone might interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking Simethicone with levothyroxine.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose.
Simethicone is generally prescribed for short durations. However, to treat your condition effectually, take Simethicone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve despite taking Simethicone for 14 days.
Simethicone is not the same as dimethicone. Simethicone is activated dimethicone that contains dimethicone mixed with silica gel or silicon dioxide, which works better to treat gas/wind in the gut.
