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simethicone
Used for Gas
Used for Gas
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.
When does Simethicone start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Gas-X, Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops, Infants' Mylicon |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiflatulent |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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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
When do Simethicone possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
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.
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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.
Simethicone dosage
The average cost for 30 chewable tablets of 80mg of Simethicone is $5.26 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.94% off the average retail price of $6.57.
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
Simethicone may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Simethicone. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Simethicone?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Simethicone. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Simethicone
What Are the Side Effects of Gas-X? Plus More FAQs About This Over-the-Counter Medication
Side effects of taking Gas-X may include diarrhea and nausea. Learn about potential side effects of taking Gas-X every day and how to manage them.
Does Gas-X Really Help With Bloating?
Gas-X (simethicone) is an over-the-counter medication that helps get rid of gas and bloating. Learn about how it works, side effects, dosage, and more.
Gas-X Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Gas-X dosages vary between specific products. Extra strength, ultra strength, and maximum strength pills offer 125 mg, 180 mg, and 250 mg of medication, respectively.
Simethicone images
