simethicone

Therapeutic Classification: antiflatulent

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Relief of painful symptoms of excess gas in the GI tract.

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)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	immediate	unknown	3 hr

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Not recommended for infant colic.

Use Cautiously in:

Abdominal pain of unknown cause, especially when accompanied by fever.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 40–125 mg 4 times daily, 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 mg^OTC; 80 mg^OTC; 125 mg^OTC; 150 mg^OTC
Tablets: 60 mg^OTC; 80 mg^OTC; 95 mg^OTC
Capsules: 125 mg^OTC; 166 mg^OTC; 180 mg^OTC; 250 mg^OTC
Drops: 40 mg/0.6 mL^OTC; 40 mg/mL^OTC; 95 mg/1.425 mL^OTC
In combination with: antacidsOTC. See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess for abdominal pain, distention, bowel sounds, and frequency of belching and flatus before starting and periodically throughout course of therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer after meals and at bedtime. Shake liquid preparation well before administration. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing for faster and more complete absorption.
- 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 purpose and side effects of medication, and the importance of diet and exercise in gas prevention. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Advise patient to notify health care provider if symptoms persist.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care provider before taking other medications.

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

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇