simethicone Health Article

Generic name(s):

simethicone

Brand name(s):

Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas, Colic Drops, Colicon, Equalize Gas Relief Drops, Flatulex Drops, Gas Aide, Gas-X, Gas-X Extra Strength, Gas-X Infant Drops, Gas-X Maximum Strength, Gas-X Thin Strips Cinnamon, Gas-X Thin Strips Peppermint, Gas-X Tongue Twisters Thin Strips Children's, Genasyme, Infantaire Gas Relief, Little Tummys, Maalox Anti-Gas, Maalox Anti-Gas Extra Strength, Major-Con, Maximum Strength Phazyme 125 Softgels, Mi-Acid Gas Relief, Micon-80, Mylanta Gas, Mylanta Gas Maximum Strength, Mylaval, Mylicon, Mytab Gas, Phazyme, Phazyme Maximum Strength, Phazyme Ultra, Phazyme-125, Phazyme-95

What is the most important information I should know about simethicone?

Simethicone works best if you take it after meals and at bedtime.

Do not take more of this medication than is directed.

Simethicone may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet or increased exercise. It is very important to follow the diet and exercise plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of simethicone. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

There may be other drugs that can interact with simethicone. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What is simethicone?

Simethicone allows gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines to come together more easily, which allows for easier passage of gas.

Simethicone is used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines. Simethicone is for use in babies, children, and adults.

Simethicone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking simethicone?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to simethicone.

Before taking simethicone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.

Also tell your doctor if you have any type of serious illness, especially one that involves your stomach or intestines.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether simethicone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take simethicone?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take more of this medication than is directed.

Simethicone works best if you take it after meals and at bedtime.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

Measure the oral drops with the medicine dropper provided, or use a special dose-measuring spoon. Do not use a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Clean the medicine dropper after each use. Allow it to air dry.

Some liquid forms of simethicone must be shaken before each use. Follow the directions on the medicine label.

Simethicone liquid drops can be mixed with water, baby formula, or other liquids to make swallowing easier for an infant or child.

Children should never be given more than the recommended dose of simethicone. Call your doctor if the child's gas symptoms do not improve after treatment with simethicone.

Simethicone may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet or increased exercise. It is very important to follow the diet and exercise plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.

Store simethicone at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Keep all liquid medicine in a tightly closed container.