simethicone
Gas-X, Mylicon, Phazyme

Available forms
Available without a prescription
Capsules: 125 mg
Drops: 40 mg/0.6 ml
Tablets (chewable): 40 mg, 80 mg, 125 mg
Tablets (delayed-release, enteric-coated core): 60 mg, 95 mg

Indications and dosages
 Flatulence, functional gastric bloating. Adults and children older than age 12: 40 to 125 mg P.O. after each meal and h.s.
Children ages 2 to 12: 40 mg (drops) P.O. q.i.d.
Children younger than age 2: 20 mg (drops) P.O. q.i.d., up to 240 mg daily.

Pharmacodynamics
Antiflatulent action: Simethicone acts as a defoaming agent by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, preventing the formation of mucous-coated gas bubbles.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: None.
Distribution: None.
Metabolism: None.
Excretion: Excreted in feces.

Contraindications and precautions
Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug.

Interactions
None significant.

Adverse reactions
GI: expulsion of excessive liberated gas as belching, rectal flatus.

Effects on lab test results
None reported.

Overdose and treatment
No information available.

Special considerations
• Simethicone is found in many combination antacid products.
• This drug doesn’t prevent formation of gas.
Pediatric patients
• Simethicone isn’t recommended as treatment for infant colic; it has limited use in children.

Patient education
• Tell patient to chew tablets thoroughly or to shake suspension well before using.
• Encourage patient to change positions frequently and ambulate to aid flatus passage.

Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE THREATENING.
◆ Canada only
◇ Unlabeled clinical use