Simethicone Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Simethicone Tablet is an over-the-counter antiflatulent used to relieve painful pressure, bloating, and fullness caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines. It is a silicone compound that has been used since 1952 and can be used by babies, children, and adults. Simethicone works by breaking down gas bubbles so they can pass more easily, and it is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

What is Simethicone Tablet

Simethicone is an over-the-counter medicine used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines. It is a silicone compound that has been used since 1952 and can be used by babies, children, and adults. Its drug class is miscellaneous GI agents (antiflatulent).

Simethicone Tablet uses

• Relieves bloating, pressure, and fullness caused by too much gas
• Relieves painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines
• Eases too much gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

Benefits of Simethicone Tablet

• Relieves discomfort from excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract
• Can be used safely in infants, children, and adults
• Available without a prescription

How Simethicone Tablet works

Simethicone works by breaking down gas bubbles in the gut so they combine into larger bubbles that can pass more easily through belching or flatulence. It does not reduce how much gas your body makes, and it is not absorbed into your bloodstream.

Simethicone Tablet dosage

Take after meals and at bedtime, or as needed. Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly before swallowing. Do not take more of this medicine than directed on the label or by your doctor. Follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions when giving this medicine to a child, and call your doctor if a child's gas symptoms do not improve after treatment. Ask a doctor before using other antacids at the same time, since some may already contain simethicone. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next one, skip the missed dose; do not take two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Chewable tablet
• Capsule
• Oral liquid/suspension
• Oral strip (dissolving film)
• Drops (for infants)

Side effects of Simethicone Tablet

Common

• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rash, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
• Wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat
• Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, or unusual hoarseness

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use simethicone if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are allergic to other drugs or have a serious illness, especially one affecting your stomach or intestines. The liquid form may contain phenylalanine, so talk to your doctor first if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems, so tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take and any health conditions you have. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
• Simethicone is not absorbed into the body, so it is considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but you should ask a doctor before using it.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose on the product label, and check the tablet strength, as simethicone is available in different strengths. Chew chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. Consult a doctor if severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or significant bloating occurs.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. Check combination products carefully to avoid taking duplicate ingredients.
• If you have unexplained or recurring digestive symptoms, consult a healthcare professional rather than using simethicone long-term. Seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, a swollen/rigid abdomen, blood in stool, or persistent vomiting.

Storage

• Store at room temperature in a dry place
• Do not store in a bathroom
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Do not allow the liquid form to freeze
• Throw away unused or expired medicine; do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless told to do so; ask your pharmacist about drug take-back programs
• Store the chewable tablet at room temperature between 15° and 30°C (59° to 86°F)

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Call your doctor if a child's gas symptoms do not improve after taking simethicone
• If you think there has been an overdose, contact your local poison control center or get medical care right away, and be ready to say what was taken, how much, and when

Alternatives

Simethicone is sometimes combined with other stomach medicines such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and loperamide. This product's active ingredient is compared to the one in Mylanta Gas Maximum Strength.