Simethicone (By mouth)

sye-METH-i-kone

Treats pain and pressure of excess gas in the stomach and intestines.

Drug classes

Antiflatulent, Diagnostic Agent, Endoscopy Adjunct (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Simethicone is used to relieve the painful symptoms of too much gas in the stomach and intestines.

Simethicone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Simethicone is available without a prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, simethicone is used in certain patients before the following tests:

Before a gastroscopy

Before a radiography of the bowel

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Capsule, Tablet, Thin Sheet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Always follow dosing instructions on the label when taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice.

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

Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing.

Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store at room temperature away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Avoid drinking soda or soft drinks, or eating foods that may cause an increase in stomach gas.

When Not To Use

You should not use simethicone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Warnings

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

You should not use more of this medicine in a 24-hour period than your doctor orders, or more than the dose listed on the medicine label directions.

Talk to your doctor if you have problems with gas often. There may be a serious but treatable cause.

No severe side effects have been reported with the use of simethicone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild diarrhea

Heartburn

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas, Anti-Gas Ultra Strength, Baby Gasz, Bicarsim, Bicarsim Forte, Equilizer Gas Relief, Gas Aid Maximum Strength, Gas Relief, Gas Relief Drops, Gas-X, Gas-X Extra Strength, Gas-X Thin Strips Extra Strength, Gas-X Ultra Strength, Genasyme, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Gas Relief, Good Sense Gas Relief, Good Sense Infants’ Simethicone Drops, Infantaire Gas Drops, Infants’ Gas Relief, Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Mylicon, Mytab Gas, Ovol, Phazyme, Phazyme Liquid Gas Relief, Maximum Strength

There may be other brand names for this medicine.