Simethicone is a medication to treat belching, flatulence, or discomfort in the stomach due to increased gas production in the digestive tract. This drug can also be used to treat colic in infants.
Simethicone works by reducing the tension in the gas bubbles, so that the gas bubbles can be broken down. That way, the gas flow becomes smoother and complaints due to increased gas production can also subside.
Simethicone trademark: Gastulen, Hufamag, Lambucid, Magnidicon, Mylanta, Neolanta, Polysilane, Simeco, Stromag
What IThat's Simethicone
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Antiflatulence |
| Benefit | Overcome bloating or symptoms due to increased gas production in the stomach |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Simethicone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Simethicone is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and syrup |
Precautions Before Taking Simethicone
Simethicone should not be used carelessly. There are several things that must be considered before taking simethicone, namely:
- Do not take simethicone if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can increase gas, such as carbonated or fizzy drinks while taking this medicine.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking simethicone.
Dosis and Instructions for Use Simethicone
The usual dose of simethicone for flatulence is 100–250 mg, 3–4 times a day. This medicine can be taken with antacids.
To treat colic in infants, the dose is 20–40 mg, 4 times a day. Dosage should not exceed 240 mg per day.
How to Take Simethicone Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the simethicone package before taking it. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first.
If you are taking simethicone in the form of a chewable tablet, take the medicine by chewing it before swallowing it, so the medicine can work faster.
For simethicone in the form of syrup, use the measuring spoon that is already available in the package, so that the dose consumed is correct. Shake the medicine before drinking.
Take simethicone at the same time every day for maximum results. If you forget to take simethicone, take it immediately if the interval with the next dose is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store simethicone in a closed container to avoid direct sunlight, store at room temperature, and keep out of reach of children.
Simethicone Interactions with Other Drugs
Simethicone can cause drug interactions when used with other drugs. One of them is the impaired absorption and effectiveness of drugs for thyroid disease, such as levothyroxine, liothyronine, or liotrix.
Side Effects and Dangers of Simethicone
If taken according to the recommended dose, this drug rarely causes side effects. However, if after taking simethicone you experience certain complaints or an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by swelling of the lips and eyelids, an itchy rash on the skin, or difficulty breathing, immediately consult a doctor.