Generic

Simethicone

Indications

Simethicone is an excellent and effective antiflatulent for flatulence, abdominal distention, fullness, gas, and windy colic. It is used to treat the uncomfortable symptoms of bloating and gas in the digestive tract. Excessive air swallowing or eating foods that disagree are common causes of gas. Simethicone drops, which work in the stomach and intestines, are especially useful in babies. Simethicone facilitates the release and elimination of gas through belching or passing flatus.

Large bowel preparation: Adding Simethicone to a polyethylene glycol bowel preparation improves symptoms before further research in the treatment of foamy detergent intake.

Poisoning treatment: Simethicone has been used anecdotally as an antifoaming agent in the treatment of foaming detergent poisoning.

Pharmacology

Simethicone is an antiflatulent used to treat symptoms associated with gas, such as upper GI bloating, pressure, fullness, or a stuffed feeling. Simeticone is used in medicine because of its antifoaming characteristics. Flatulence is relieved by its antifoaming activity, which disperses and prevents the formation of mucous-encased gas pockets in the GI tract.

Simeticone works by changing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, allowing them to coalesce, allowing gas to be released and removed more easily through belching or passing flatus. Simeticone helps the GI tract eliminate gas and can be used to relieve postoperative gas symptoms. Simeticone can also be administered to improve visibility during gastroscopy and to minimize gas shadows during intestinal radiography.

Dosage & Administration

Take after meals and at bedtime. Can be given with infant’s feeds. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Children less than 2 years of age: 20 mg (0.3 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily up to 240 mg/day (3.6 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops).

Children 2-12 years of age: 40 mg (0.6 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily.

Adults:

40-125 mg (0.6 ml-1.9 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily, up to 500 mg/day (7.5 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) or

1-3 Simethicone chewable tablets; 4 times daily, up to 500 mg/day (12 Simethicone chewable tablets).

Interaction

Simethicone does not appear to alter the effects of other medications. Antacids that absorb Silicone, such as Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate, diminish the defoaming effect of Simethicone.

Side Effects

Simethicone is physiologically inert and no adverse effect has been noted after oral ingestion.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnant women: No data are available to suggest any harmful effects.

Lactating mother: Excretion of simethicone in breast milk has not been established, and would be most unlikely.

Precautions & Warnings

Except with the guidance and supervision of a physician, do not exceed 12 doses per day.

Therapeutic Class

Anti-dyspeptic/Carminatives.

Storage Conditions

It should be kept in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Pharmaceutical Name

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.