simethicone
Simethicone is an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-gas medication. It relieves pressure, bloating, and fullness from excess gas. There are many different dosage forms, like capsules, chewable tablets, and liquids. Both adults and children can take simethicone, but the age limits vary depending on each product. Side effects aren't common but can include nausea and diarrhea. Gas-X is a common brand-name of the medication. Many other brand-name and generic versions of simethicone are available.
What is Simethicone?
How Simethicone works
When there's too much gas in your intestines, it can cause uncomfortable or painful pressure, fullness, and bloating.
Simethicone is an anti-gas medication. It works by making the surface of gas bubbles more flexible. This allows gas bubbles to gather together and become larger bubbles in the intestines. Then, your body gets rid of the gas more easily.
Drug facts
More on Simethicone essentials
Side effects of Simethicone
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects."
Less Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
More on Simethicone side effects
The following Simethicone side effects have also been reported
There have not been any common or important side effects reported with this medicine. However, if you notice any side effects, check with your doctor.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Simethicone
Pros
- Available in many different forms (e.g., capsule, chewable tablet, liquid)
- Available over the counter
- Okay for infants to take
- Few side effects
Pharmacist tips for Simethicone
- Take simethicone when you need gas relief after meals and at bedtime. Be mindful of how many times you can take the medication in a day to stay safe. You can find this information on the medication box.
- Keep in mind that simethicone is only for treating gas. It doesn't work to prevent gas. Talk to a healthcare professional about ways to prevent getting gassy. Some examples include avoiding carbonated drinks and changing how and what you eat.
- Stop taking simethicone and contact your primary care provider if you have concerning symptoms, like vomiting, severe stomach pain, or bloody stool. These could be signs of a more serious problem that needs medical attention.
- Check the labels on your medications to make sure you're not taking more than one product with simethicone. Some over-the-counter products for upset stomach also contain simethicone.
More tips for children's simethicone 20 mg/0.3 mL liquid
- Store the simethicone liquid at room temperature. Shake the bottle before you measure out the medication.
- Use the oral syringe or dropper included in the package to measure out the correct dose of the simethicone liquid. Don't use any other syringes, droppers, spoons, or dosing cups to make sure you measure the right dose. Don't use household spoons because they're not accurate.
- You can mix the simethicone drops with 1 ounce of cool water or infant formula. This can help make it easier for young children to take.
- Place the simethicone drops into your child's mouth slowly. The tip of the oral syringe or dropper should be pointed towards your child's inner cheek. This helps prevent them from spitting out the medication. Clean the dropper after each use.
Common questions about Simethicone
Simethicone, commonly known as Gas-X, starts to relieve gas symptoms within a few minutes after you take it. If you've taken the medication and don't feel any relief, don't take another dose. Instead, contact your primary care provider about what to do.
You can take simethicone after meals and at bedtime as needed for gas relief. But remember that there's a daily limit to how much you can take in a single day. This depends on each specific simethicone product. That's why it's important to check the label to see how much simethicone you can take each day. If you have gas that's not related to meals or need to take the medication more often, speak to your primary care provider. They can check for other medical conditions that might be going on.
No, simethicone isn't an antacid. Antacids help with acid reflux, whereas simethicone only relieves gas and bloating. If you have heartburn and gas, you might think about taking an antacid with simethicone. Some products combine both to help with gas, heartburn, and sour stomach at the same time. Examples include Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone).
Yes, it's safe to take Pepto Bismol with Gas-X (a common brand name for simethicone). Both help with gas. But Pepto Bismol can also treat other symptoms of stomach upset, like diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and burping. Talk to your primary care provider if your symptoms don't get better with these medications.
Yes. It's safe to take Gas-X (a common brand name for simethicone) while using Ozempic (semaglutide). Some people might find it helpful since gas and bloating can be side effects of Ozempic (semaglutide). Just remember that Gas-X won't prevent gas, it only helps relieve gas.
No. Dimethicone and simethicone are two completely different medications. Dimethicone is a topical product that you use on the skin to relieve dryness or irritation. Simethicone is an anti-gas medication that you take by mouth. It relieves pressure, bloating, and fullness from excess gas.
Gas-X, a common brand name for simethicone, can sometimes cause diarrhea as a side effect. But it's typically mild. And, it goes away when you stop the medication. If you have diarrhea, make sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If the diarrhea continues, it might be best to stop taking the medication and talk to a healthcare professional about what to do.
Yes. Gas-X and other simethicone products are safe to take while pregnant. The medication doesn't get absorbed into the body. It's also safe to take while breastfeeding. Ask your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) if you have more questions about gas relief while pregnant or nursing.
How to save using GoodRx
Simethicone dosage
Typical dosage for Simethicone
Note: There are many brand-name and generic simethicone products. They can have different amounts of simethicone in them, so the dose might differ slightly. Be sure to check the medication box for the specific instructions for your product.
Below are some examples:
-
Simethicone 125 mg chewable tablets (Gas-X Extra Strength)
- Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is to chew 1 or 2 tablets as needed after meals and at bedtime. Chew or crush the tablets before swallowing. The maximum dose is 4 tablets within a 24-hour period.
-
Simethicone 250 mg capsules (Gas-X Maximum Strength)
- Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 or 2 capsules by mouth as needed after meals and at bedtime. Swallow the capsules with water. The maximum dose is 2 capsules within a 24-hour period.
-
Children's simethicone 20 mg/0.3 mL liquid (Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops, Infants' Mylicon)
- Age under 2 years or weigh under 24 lbs: The typical dose is 0.3 mL by mouth as needed after meals and at bedtime. The maximum dose is 12 doses (3.6 mL total) within a 24-hour period.
- Age 2 years and older or weigh at least 24 lbs: The typical dose is 0.6 mL by mouth as needed after meals and at bedtime. The maximum dose is 12 doses (7.2 mL total) within a 24-hour period.
More on Simethicone dosage
Interactions between Simethicone and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Simethicone cost?
What are alternatives to Simethicone?
News about Simethicone
Simethicone images
