Index
It is a drug composed of a mixture of dimethylpolysiloxane and silicon oxide, inert polymers with surfactant properties.
It is used to treat and prevent some problems with functional conditions of the digestive tract that produce abnormal retention of gases.
Its administration is done orally.
Chemical formula
- C4H12Si(C2H6OSi)n.
- Dimethylpolysiloxane and silicon oxide.
Mechanism of action
Dimethicone operates in the digestive system, specifically in the stomach and intestines. The function of Dimethicone is to reduce the surface tension that is caused by mucogasic bubbles, which are responsible for the retention of gases, a product of the digestive processes.
These changes that occur in the surface tension of the bubbles cause them to break and then join into more giant bubbles.
In this gaseous form, the bubbles are more easily eliminated from the gastrointestinal tract through belching, the expulsion of the flatus, or an increase in the absorption of these gases through the bloodstream.
Its therapeutic effects are due to this mechanism of elimination of gases.
Dimethicone is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and does not interfere with gastric secretions or the proper absorption of nutrients. It can be excreted without changes in stool characteristics.
Presentations
- Tablets: Each tablet contains 40 mg of Dimethicone and 50 mg of calcium pantothenate.
- Suspension drops: Each milliliter (22 drops) of suspension contains 100 mg of Dimethicone.
Dose
The dose of Dimethicone in adults orally is 40 to 80 mg, three times a day, administered after each meal. In children, orally, it must be distributed according to age.
In children under two years, the dose is 23 to 41 mg (5 to 9 drops), four times a day, administered before breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, with a maximum amount of 330 mg per day.
Children from 2 to 12 years should be administered 45 to 100 mg (10 to 22 drops), before each meal and at bedtime, with a maximum of 500 mg a day.
Indications
Dimethicone is used to achieve symptomatic relief of discomfort caused by gases and prevents the accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract.
In cases of aerophagia, when air is swallowed, bloating or abdominal distension and colic due to flatulence or abdominal pain after surgery.
It reduces the superficial tension of the gas bubbles and facilitates their regular elimination.
Contraindications and precautions
The use of Dimethicone is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to its components, in case of suspected obstruction or intestinal perforation.
It should not be used in the case of patients suffering from aerophagia, irritable or spastic colon, intestinal dyspepsia, or peptic ulcer.
Dimethicone may decrease diphenylhydantoin concentrations.
Adverse reactions
No significant adverse reactions have been reported with the use of Dimethicone.
Warnings
When administering Dimethicone, you should avoid consuming drinks or meals with high glucose contents, avoid hot meals, eat or drink in a hurry, and smoke or chew gum because these conditions increase the production of gases in the gastrointestinal tract.
The exercise of these warnings, together with the administration of the drug, favors the elimination of gases.
Precautions
When the patient presents problems with the accumulation of chemicals in the red blood cells (Porphyria), their use should be avoided since it is unknown how this medication can affect it.
In administering Dimethicone in infants and children, this medication is recommended to take special care with the doses administered.
Side effects
Rarely, Dimethicone may produce symptoms of side effects but when they occur are moderate, such as constipation and nausea.
General information
- Dimethicone in babies is of particular use for the relief of colic.
- Dimethicone is often mixed with an antacid or antiflatulent preparations.
- The risks of overdose and dependency are low.
- Its effects begin approximately within 60 minutes after its administration.
- The action can last up to 4 hours
- It can be safely administered during pregnancy and lactation periods since it has been shown that it does not cross the placenta and that its passage into breast milk is not in significant quantities.
- This medication may stop being safely administered when its use is no longer necessary.
- Its prolonged use does not cause problems.
- Because Dimethicone is not absorbed systemically, there are no interactions with the administration of other medicines.