Index
It is an antiflatulent agent administered orally, used to relieve pain and abdominal discomfort caused by excessive gas pressure.
Applications
Simethicone is a safe and effective nonprescription gas relief medication with very few side effects, if any. According to the National Institutes of Health, simethicone generally has no side effects when taken according to package instructions or as directed by your doctor.
For most patients, simethicone is a simple and worry-free way to relieve the discomfort caused by excess gas.
Side effects
There are no common side effects associated with the use of simethicone medications, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, many people may report the following as side effects:
- Nausea.
- He retched.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
Talk to your doctor if you experience a side effect that you think is attributable to simethicone.
Serious side effects:
Although there are no known serious side effects, there is still the possibility of an allergic reaction with simethicone. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking the medication.
- Eruption.
- Itch.
- Urticaria.
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue.
Overdose
According to Cigna, it is unlikely that an overdose of simethicone causes serious or life-threatening symptoms. Currently there are no known cases of fatal overdose. However, if you are concerned that you have taken an unusually large amount of the medication and are experiencing side effects, call your doctor.
Patients who experience symptoms of uncomfortable gas, such as bloating, painful pressure or feeling full, will find that simethicone is a safe, effective and available way to relieve occasional gas.
Unlike many types of medicines, simethicone has virtually no side effects and is safe for pregnant mothers, nursing mothers and babies.
Simethicone is most often used as a short-term gas relief treatment. If you need a long-term gas relief solution, talk to your doctor about whether continuing to use the medication is right for you.
As with any prescription or over-the-counter medication, it is important to take simethicone exactly as directed by your doctor or the instructions on the product label.
Taking more than the indicated amount can cause unknown side effects, while taking less than the indicated amount can make the medication ineffective. If you have questions about taking simethicone or you think you may need a higher dose than the one recommended on the product package, ask your doctor.
Administration
- Swallow simethicone regular tablets and whole capsules.
- Do not crush, chew or open them.
- Instead, completely chew simethicone chewable tablets before swallowing.
- Use a medicine cup or dropper to administer liquid simethicone.
Many medical professionals warn patients that they should not take their medicines with a common kitchen spoon, as they may not provide a precise dose.
The recommended dose of simethicone varies between 40 and 125 mg for adolescents and adults; This dose can be repeated up to four times per day. Teens and adults who use simethicone to relieve gas should avoid taking more than 500 mg of simethicone in a 24-hour period.
When using simethicone to treat gas in children, allow your child’s pediatrician to determine the correct dose.
Can pregnant women take simethicone?
There are insufficient data to establish the safety of simethicone during pregnancy. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has not formally assigned any drug classification to simethicone.
However, some resources consider it probably compatible with pregnancy since it does not seem to cross the placenta. More controlled studies are required on pregnant women to establish their safety.
Due to the lack of adequate information on the use of simethicone during pregnancy, the manufacturer recommends that the drug be used by pregnant women only when the benefit outweighs the risk.
Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or if you are pregnant before starting simethicone.
If you become pregnant while taking this medication, consult your health care provider immediately. You will have to discuss the possible risks and benefits of the medicine with your health care provider.
Can women who breastfeed use the medication?
Currently, there is insufficient data available on the use of simethicone during lactation. However, it is believed that this medication is not absorbed orally.
Therefore, it is unlikely that it is excreted in breast milk. In addition, simethicone is used safely in breastfed babies without side effects or adverse reports.
More studies are required to determine maternal levels of simethicone, its potential effects on breastfed infants and their possible effects on breastfeeding.
Although the medication seems safe for women who are breastfeeding, it is best to consult your health care provider first before using this drug.
Keep in mind that not all women experience the same circumstances. Your health care provider is in the best position to give you the necessary health recommendations regarding the use of this medication during breastfeeding.
