Simethicone: what is it for, dosage, contraindications

Simethicone fundamentally makes it possible to reduce the surface tension of gas bubbles so that they break, merge into a larger one and are easily eliminated in the form of a burp or flatus.

It has been established in this way that it meets two essential foundations:

1. Disperse gas bubbles.
2. Prevents the formation of new bubbles.

In this way, it achieves its basic therapeutic effect: antiflatulent and antifoam. Therefore, we can say that dimethicone is used for the treatment of:

• Dyspepsia: discomfort that manifests in the stomach after eating food. This includes heartburn, heaviness, flatulence, abdominal pain.
• Aerocolia : defined as excess air in the colon.
• Meteorism: medical term that defines the distention of the abdomen due to the accumulation of gases.
• It can also be indicated prior to medical tests, such as ultrasound or X-ray, where other conditions need to be assessed.

The form of administration of simethicone depends on its pharmacological presentation:

• Grágeas of 40 mg.
• 80 mg chewable tablets.
• 125 mg soft capsules.
• Suspension drops of 80 mg.

The recommended dose of simethicotine in adults is:

• 40 mg to 125 mg is administered orally every 8 hours, three times a day after each meal.
• Maximum daily dose 500 mg / day.

If not dren , should always be administered under pediatric supervision, standard dose ranges in:

• 2-12 years: 40 mg orally every 6 hours or 10-22 drops before each meal and just before bedtime.
• Do not exceed the maximum dose of 500 mg / day.
• <2 years: 20 mg orally every 6 hours or 5-9 drops every 6 hours just before breastfeeding or before each bottle.
• Do not exceed the maximum dose of 330 mg / day in children.

The contraindications of simethicone are:

• Like all drugs, simethicone is contraindicated mainly in cases of hypersensitivity reaction to the component.
• In case of intestinal obstruction.
• In case of intestinal perforation.
• In case of duodenal ulcer.
• In case of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• In case of breast cancer being treated with chemotherapy.

Regarding the side effects of simethicone, constipation has eventually been described as the main adverse effect , however, any unfavorable reaction after its use should be seen by the family doctor immediately.

Likewise, there are no drug interactions described in relation to simethicone and other drugs, despite this, it is always recommended to let the doctor know about other drugs that are being taken for other underlying conditions.

The person, in addition, must comply with some recommendations to avoid the production of gases in the gastrointestinal tract, which include:

• Avoid consuming hot foods.
• Avoid eating and drinking in a rush.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Avoid chewing gum.
• Avoid drinking glucose beverages.

In the following article, we explain in detail the causes, treatment, and proper diet for intestinal gas .

Simethicone favorably:

• It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
• It is not modified by the gastrointestinal flora.
• It does not interfere with the secretion of gastric juice.
• It does not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
• It is considered an inert molecule.
• It is excreted in the feces.

Therefore, simethicone is a safe drug to use in pregnancy and lactation, as it is non-toxic and is not absorbed by the mother or the infant, as described.

It is quite safe to use simethicone in both infants and adults, however, the fundamental recommendation is based on the use of any drug after medical indication, thus avoiding interactions with other drugs and adverse reactions described.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Simethicone: what it is for, dosage, contraindications , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .