Simethicone is an orally administered anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating, discomfort or pain caused by excessive gas — mainly swallowed air, with small amounts of hydrogen and methane— in the stomach or intestines. Simethicone is a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane and hydrated silica gel.
Contents
Uses
Relieving pressure, bloating, and gas in the digestive tract. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Simethicone is an antiflatulent. It works by breaking up gas bubbles, which makes gas easier to eliminate.
Benefits
- This medication is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. It is also used to relieve symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut. Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles in the gut. Aluminum and magnesium antacids work quickly to lower the acid in the stomach. Liquid antacids usually work faster/better than tablets or capsules.This medication works only on existing acid in the stomach. It does not prevent acid production. It may be used alone or with other medications that lower acid production (e.g., H2 blockers such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole).
Cautions
- The most common adverse effects of simethicone are gastrointestinal symptoms, including mild diarrhea, nausea, regurgitation, and vomiting.
Interactions
An interaction generally means that one drug may increase or decrease the effect of another drug. Also, the more medications a person takes, the more likely there will be a drug interaction. There are no known drug interactions with simethicone.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simethicone
WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-341-8265/simethicone-oral/simethicone-oral/details#side-effects
Drugs.com, http://www.drugs.com/cdi/simethicone.html