Key takeaways:
Gas-X (simethicone) treats bloating and pressure from gas and comes in four different doses.
The typical adult Gas-X dosage is 1 to 2 tablets as needed. But pay attention to the daily maximum dosage listed on each package. It varies between products.
Brand-name Gas-X is for adults only. But you can find the active ingredient (simethicone) under other brand names with dosages that are safe for babies and kids.
Gas-X is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 50% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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If you’re feeling pressure and bloating from gas, you might be wondering when these symptoms will pass. While diet and lifestyle changes can help you avoid bloating, there are also over-the-counter (OTC) medications that work fast to treat gas symptoms.
Gas-X (simethicone) is a popular OTC anti-gas medicine. When used correctly, it can safely and effectively provide relief. In this guide, we’ll discuss the typical Gas-X dosages for each product, as well as what’s safe for kids to take.
What’s the typical Gas-X dosage for adults?
Gas-X refers to a brand name for four different products. All of them contain simethicone and have lower-cost generics available. Simethicone makes it easier for your body to get rid of gas.
Be sure to read the package ingredients and instructions. Each Gas-X product contains a different amount of simethicone and has a different daily maximum dose.
Gas-X Extra Strength
Gas-X Extra Strength comes as either a chewable tablet or as a liquid-filled softgel capsule. Each tablet or capsule contains 125 mg of simethicone. The tablets should be chewed and swallowed. The capsules need to be swallowed whole with water. The dosage is the same for both versions.
The adult dosage for Gas-X Extra Strength is:
Take 1 to 2 pills (125 mg to 250 mg) as needed with meals and at bedtime.
Don’t take more than 4 pills (500 mg) in 24 hours.
Gas-X Ultra Strength
Gas-X Ultra Strength comes as a liquid-filled softgel capsule. Each capsule contains 180 mg of simethicone.
The adult dosage for Gas-X Ultra Strength is:
Take 1 to 2 capsules (180 mg to 360 mg) as needed with meals and at bedtime. Swallow capsules whole with water.
Don’t take more than 2 capsules (360 mg) in 24 hours.
Gas-X Maximum Strength
Gas-X Maximum Strength comes as a liquid-filled softgel capsule. Each capsule contains 250 mg of simethicone.
The adult dosage for Gas-X Maximum Strength is:
Take 1 to 2 capsules (250 mg to 500 mg) as needed with meals and at bedtime. Swallow capsules whole with water.
Don’t take more than 2 capsules (500 mg) in 24 hours.
Gas-X Total Relief
In addition to simethicone, Gas-X Total Relief also contains calcium carbonate (an antacid). It can be helpful if you’re experiencing both bloating and heartburn. Each chewable tablet contains 250 mg of simethicone and 750 mg of calcium carbonate.
The adult dosage for Gas-X Total Relief is:
Chew and swallow 1 to 2 tablets as needed for symptoms.
Don’t take more than 2 tablets per day.
Don’t take for more than 2 weeks in a row, unless told to do so by a healthcare provider.
What’s the typical Gas-X dosage for children?
Brand-name Gas-X products contain higher doses of simethicone intended for adults. Adolescents ages 12 years and older can take the adult dosages for Gas-X Maximum Strength and Gas-X Total Relief.
At lower doses, simethicone is safe for younger children and babies. But you won’t find these dosages under the Gas-X brand name. Children’s and infant’s simethicone is sold under popular brand names, like Mylicon and Little Remedies. There are lower-cost generic versions available too.
When using simethicone for kids, follow all the package instructions carefully, including the maximum daily amount listed. If you don’t see a dose listed for your child’s age group, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for help.
Children’s simethicone oral liquid
Simethicone liquid for infants and children provides 20 mg of medication in every 0.3 mL. The package includes a special dosing syringe that has markings at 0.3 mL and 0.6 mL. When measuring your dose, be sure to only use this syringe and not any other dropper, spoon, or measuring device.
The typical simethicone dosage for children is based on body weight. But if you’re unsure of your child’s weight, you can select a dosage based on their age instead.
Body weight | Age | Simethicone dosage |
Under 24 lbs | Infants less than 2 years old | 0.3 mL as needed after eating or at bedtime |
24 lbs or more | Children ages 2 years or older | 0.6 mL as needed after eating or at bedtime |
Be sure to keep these instructions in mind when giving simethicone to your child:
Shake the bottle well before using.
Don’t give more than 12 doses in 24 hours.
You can slowly give the dose directly into your child's mouth (toward the inner cheek). This can help make sure children, especially infants, swallow the full dose.
If it’s easier, you can mix a simethicone dose with 1 ounce of cool water or infant formula. Just make sure the child drinks all the water or formula to get the full dose.
Children’s Mylicon Tummy Relief
Children’s Mylicon Tummy Relief comes as chewable tablets or as a liquid. Similar to Gas-X Total Relief, Mylicon Tummy Relief contains simethicone and calcium carbonate.
Each Mylicon Tummy Relief chewable tablet contains 40 mg of simethicone and 400 mg of calcium carbonate. The liquid version contains 40 mg of simethicone and 400 mg of calcium carbonate in every 5 mL.
Children’s Mylicon Tummy Relief dosages are based on body weight. But if you’re unsure of your child’s weight, you can select a dosage based on their age instead.
Body weight | Age | Tablet Dose | Liquid Dose |
Under 24 lbs | Under 2 years old | Ask a healthcare provider before giving. | Ask a healthcare provider before giving. |
24-47 lbs | 2-5 years old | Give 1 tablet as needed, up to 3 tablets in 24 hours. | Give 5 mL as needed, up to 15 mL in 24 hours. |
48-95 lbs | 6-11 years old | Give 2 tablets as needed, up to 6 tablets in 24 hours. | Give 10 mL as needed, up to 30 mL in 24 hours. |
Keep these instructions in mind when giving a dose to your child:
If giving the liquid version, shake the bottle well before each use.
Don’t give Mylicon Tummy Relief for longer than 2 weeks in a row without a healthcare provider’s OK.
Talk to a pharmacist if your child is taking other medications. Calcium carbonate interacts with how the body absorbs other medications.
Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?
No, Gas-X doesn’t need any dosage adjustments for medical conditions. But, there are still some things to keep in mind.
Be on the lookout for combination products. You can often find simethicone included in other OTC stomach medications. Some examples are Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) and Imodium Multi-Symptom (loperamide/simethicone).
Simethicone on its own doesn’t need any dose adjustments. But the other medications in these combination products may need to be used cautiously or avoided in certain health conditions. Discuss the use of combination stomach remedies with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking them.
What happens if you miss a dose of Gas-X?
Since Gas-X products are usually only taken when needed, you shouldn’t have to worry about missing doses. Pay attention to the daily maximum amount listed on the package. And don’t take extra medication to make up for doses that you forgot to take.
What should you do if you take too much Gas-X?
The simethicone in Gas-X works in your intestines and doesn’t get absorbed into the body. Because of this, it’s unlikely that an accidental overdose would be dangerous or life-threatening. If you or someone you know has taken too much simethicone, check in with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Remember that Gas-X Total Relief and Mylicon Tummy Relief contain more than just simethicone. They also include calcium carbonate. And taking too much calcium carbonate could cause dangerous symptoms that affect your kidneys and heart. If you or someone you know has taken too much Gas-X Total Relief or Mylicon Tummy Relief, contact your healthcare provider. You can also reach out to Poison Control at 1-800- 222-1222 for guidance.
How to save on Gas-X
There are ways to save on Gas-X, which is available as a lower-cost generic medication. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC Gas-X, GoodRx can help you save over 50% off the average retail price. Generic Gas-X’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $2.77 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Gas-X has four OTC products available to help relieve pressure and bloating caused by gas. The antigas medication is taken as needed, but specific Gas-X dosages vary between products. Read the packaging carefully for the recommended dosage and maximum daily amount. Although Gas-X doesn’t make any products for children, you can find simethicone for kids and babies under other brand names like Mylicon and Little Remedies. And, generic forms of simethicone are available for both adult and children’s products.
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References
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