section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

si-METH-i-kone

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antiflatulent

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Causes the coalescence of gas bubbles.
  • Does not prevent the formation of gas.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Passage of gas through the GI tract by belching or passing flatus.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: No systemic absorption occurs.

Distribution: Not systemically distributed.

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted unchanged in the feces.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(antiflatulent effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POimmediateunknown3 hr





Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

None significant.

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

  • None significant.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

  • PO (Adults ): 40–125 mg qid, after meals and at bedtime (up to 500 mg/day).
  • PO (Children 2–12 yr): 40 mg 4 times daily.
  • PO (Children <2 yr): 20 mg 4 times daily (up to 240 mg/day).

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)
  • Chewable tablets: 40 mgOTC; 80 mgOTC; 125 mgOTC; 150 mgOTC
  • Tablets: 60 mgOTC; 80 mgOTC; 95 mgOTC
  • Capsules: 125 mgOTC; 166 mgOTC; 180 mgOTC
  • Drops: 40 mg/0.6 mLOTC; 40 mg/mLOTC; 95 mg/1.425 mLOTC
  • In combination with: antacidsOTC. See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

  • Assess patient for abdominal pain, distention, and bowel sounds prior to and periodically throughout course of therapy. Frequency of belching and passage of flatus should also be assessed.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

  • PO: Administer after meals and at bedtime for best results. Shake liquid preparations well prior to administration. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing for faster and more complete results.
    • Drops can be mixed with 30 mL of cool water, infant formula, or other liquid as directed. Shake well before using.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

  • Explain to patient the importance of diet and exercise in the prevention of gas. Also explain that this medication does not prevent the formation of gas.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms are persistent.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

  • Decrease in abdominal distention and discomfort.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Degas, Extra Strength Gas-X, Flatulex, Gas-X, Genasyme, Maximum Strength Mylanta Gas, Mylanta Gas, Mylicon, Phazyme

Canadian Brand Names ⬆

Gas Relief, Infacol, Ovol, Pediacol