Home > Medical Reference > Complementary Medicine

Simethicone


Pronunciation

 (sye METH i kone)


U.S. Brand Names

 Alka-Seltzer® Gas Relief [OTC]; Baby Gasz [OTC]; Flatulex® [OTC]; Gas-X® [OTC]; Gas-X® Extra Strength [OTC]; Genasyme® [OTC]; Mylanta® Gas [OTC]; Mylanta® Gas Maximum Strength [OTC]; Mylicon® Infants [OTC]; Phazyme® Quick Dissolve [OTC]; Phazyme® Ultra Strength [OTC]


Synonyms

 Activated Dimethicone; Activated Methylpolysiloxane


Generic Available

 Yes: Tablet, suspension


Canadian Brand Names

 Ovol®; Phazyme™


Use

 Relieves flatulence and functional gastric bloating, and postoperative gas pains


Pregnancy Risk Factor

 C


Contraindications

 Hypersensitivity to simethicone or any component of the formulation


Adverse Reactions

 No data reported


Drug Interactions

 No data reported


Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

 Food: Avoid carbonated beverages and gas-forming foods.


Stability

 Protect from light


Mechanism of Action

 Decreases the surface tension of gas bubbles thereby disperses and prevents gas pockets in the GI system


Dosage

 Oral:

Infants: 20 mg 4 times/day

Children <12 years: 40 mg 4 times/day

Children >12 years and Adults: 40-120 mg after meals and at bedtime as needed, not to exceed 500 mg/day


Administration

 Shake oral suspension (drops) before using; mix with water, infant formula, or other liquids.


Dietary Considerations

 Should be taken after meals.


Patient Education

 Some tablets may be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, follow with a glass of water


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

 No significant effects or complications reported


Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

 No information available to require special precautions


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

 None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

 None reported


Dosage Forms

Softgels:

Alka-Seltzer® Gas Relief, Gas-X® Extra Strength, Mylanta® Gas Maximum Strength: 125 mg

Phazyme® Ultra Strength: 180 mg

Suspension, oral drops: 40 mg/0.6 mL (30 mL)

Baby Gasz, Genasyme®: 40 mg/0.6 mL (30 mL)

Flatulex®: 40 mg/0.6 mL (30 mL) [fruit flavor]

Mylicon® Infants: 40 mg/0.6 mL (30 mL) [alcohol free; contains sodium benzoate; available in a non-staining formula]

Tablet, chewable: 80 mg, 125 mg

Gas-X®: 80 mg [peppermint cr&egrave;me or sodium free cherry cr&egrave;me flavor]

Gas-X® Extra Strength: 125 mg [peppermint cr&egrave;me or cherry cr&egrave;me flavor]

Genasyme®: 80 mg

Mylanta® Gas: 80 mg [mint flavor]

Mylanta® Gas Extra Strength: 125 mg [cherry and mint flavors]

Phazyme® Quick Dissolve: 125 mg [contains 0.4 mg phenylalanine (as aspartame)/tablet; mint flavor]


International Brand Names

 Ovol® (CA); Phazyme™ (CA)


A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com