Gas-X Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Gas-X Tablet (simethicone) is an over-the-counter medicine used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines. It belongs to the miscellaneous GI agents drug class and can be used by babies, children, and adults. It works locally in the digestive tract by breaking up trapped gas bubbles, and it is available as a chewable tablet.

What is Gas-X Tablet

Gas-X is an over-the-counter medicine used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines. It can be used by babies, children, and adults.

Gas-X Tablet uses

• Relief of pressure, bloating, and fullness commonly referred to as gas
• Gas associated with heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion (Total Relief formula)
• Acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms (Total Relief formula)

Benefits of Gas-X Tablet

• Relieves painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines

How Gas-X Tablet works

Simethicone breaks up gas bubbles trapped in the stomach and intestines. It causes small gas bubbles to combine into larger bubbles, making them easier to pass. This helps relieve bloating, pressure, fullness, and discomfort caused by gas. It does not stop gas production; it simply helps gas pass more easily. Simethicone generally works locally in the digestive tract and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Gas-X Tablet dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more of this medicine than directed. It works best if taken after meals and at bedtime. Chew the chewable tablet completely before you swallow it. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child, and call your doctor if the child's gas symptoms do not improve after treatment. You may need to follow a special diet or increase your exercise while using this medicine; follow all instructions from your doctor or dietitian.

Available forms and strengths

• Chewable tablet

Side effects of Gas-X Tablet

Common

• Mild abdominal discomfort — uncommon
• Allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling — rare

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort — uncommon
• Diarrhea or constipation — uncommon

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use if you are allergic to this medicine.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of serious illness, especially one affecting your stomach or intestines.
• The liquid form may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently taking a prescription drug, since antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs.
• Do not exceed the maximum number of tablets in 24 hours except under the advice and supervision of a doctor, and do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks unless a doctor advises it.
• Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends, since some antacids may contain simethicone.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Check the strength of the Gas-X tablet, as different strengths are available.
• Chew chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. Consult a doctor if severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating occurs.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms continue or worsen despite treatment. Check combination products to avoid taking duplicate ingredients.
• Keep out of reach of children. Seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, persistent vomiting, or a swollen/rigid abdomen.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Store in a cool, dry place at no higher than 25°C (77°F).
• Store at controlled room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F) and protect from moisture.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor if a child's gas symptoms do not improve after treatment with this medicine.
• Do not take for symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks, unless advised by a doctor.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact poison control if you think you have taken too much.

Alternatives

• Mylanta
• Activated Charcoal
• Mylicon
• Align
• Alka-Seltzer Original
• Charcoal
• Lactase
• Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone
• Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas
• Bicarsim
• Gas Aide
• Gas Relief Extra Strength
• Gas Relief Ultra Strength Softgels
• Gas-X Extra Strength
• Gas-X Maximum Strength
• Gas-X Ultra Softgels
• Little Tummys
• Mi-Acid Gas Relief
• Mylanta Gas Maximum Strength
• Mylanta Gas Minis Assorted Fruit
• Mylanta Gas Minis Cherry
• Mylanta Gas Minis Mint
• Phazyme
• Phazyme Fast Gels
• Bicarsim Forte
• SimePed