Simethicone
Introduction To Simethicone
Simethicone is used in the treatment of bloating and abdominal pain. It relieves discomfort and pain caused by excessive gas in the stomach and intestines in conditions such as flatulence and post operative gaseous distention.
Simethicone prevents the formation and accumulation of gas. It also facilitates the passage of gas and allows patients to excrete a greater volume of gas thereby reduces uncomfortable or painful pressure in the stomach and intestines.
This medicine is taken with meals preferably at bedtime in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor and doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
Simethicone may cause some common side effects like diarrhea and stomach upset. Before taking this medicine, you should let your doctor know if you have kidney problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Uses of Simethicone
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
Benefits of Simethicone
Bloating
Bloating refers to excessive buildup of gas in your stomach. Simethicone helps
in easy passage of gas and thus reduces bloating and discomfort. Some simple
lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce bloating. Think about what foods
trigger bloating and try to avoid them; eat smaller, more frequent meals; try
to lose weight if you are overweight and try to find ways to relax. Do not eat
within 3 to 4 hours of going to bed.
Abdominal pain
Simethicone effectively relieves abdominal pain due to excess gas formation in
the stomach. It breaks gas bubbles and thus helps in the easy passage of gas.
This reduces pain as well as cramps, bloating and discomfort. Take Simethicone
with food or as directed by your doctor.
Side effects of Simethicone
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Espumisan
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
How to use Simethicone
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Simethicone is to be taken with food.
How Simethicone works
Simethicone is an antifoaming medicine. It disintegrates gas bubbles and allows easy passage of gas.
Quick tips
- It is better to take with food or at bedtime.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Simethicone if I’m pregnant?
Simethicone is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Simethicone if I’m breastfeeding?
Simethicone is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Simethicone safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Simethicone. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Simethicone?
Simethicone does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Simethicone if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Simethicone in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Simethicone if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Simethicone in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Simethicone antacid?
No. Simethicone is not an antacid. But it is used in preparations which are used as antacid
Q. Is Simethicone available over the counter?
Yes. Simethicone is sold over the counter without a prescription
Q. Is Simethicone gluten free?
Yes. Simethicone is gluten free. However, please refer to package insert of the prescribed brand before use
Q. Is Simethicone safe?
Yes. Simethicone is relatively safe
Q. Is Simethicone safe for babies?
Simethicone is safe for infants and babies, if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor
Q. Is it safe to take Simethicone daily?
It is advisable to take Simethicone only as per the instructions of the doctor
Q. Is Simethicone good for gas?
Yes. Simethicone is effective in the treatment of gas
Q. Does it have any side effects?
It does not have any known serious side-effects
Q. Can I take simethicone with ibuprofen, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole, antibiotics, ranitidine, ciprofloxacin, Pepto-bismol, or Depakote?
Yes. Simethicone can be taken with ibuprofen, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole, antibiotics, ranitidine, ciprofloxacin, Pepto-bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) or Depakote (divalproate sodium), if prescribed by your doctor
Q. Does Simethicone cause nausea or constipation?
Simethicone is not known to cause nausea or constipation. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your doctor
Q. Is Simethicone effective against acid reflux?
Simethicone is effective in controlling acid reflux if combined with an antacid.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.