Simethicone

Simethicone is an antiflatulent agent used to reduce gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is a dimethylpolysiloxane modified organosilicon compound that acts by changing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestine, which promotes their coalescence and facilitates the escape of gas naturally.

Simethicone is not absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract and is considered safe for most people, including infants, pregnant and lactating women (however, a doctor should be consulted before use in these groups). The drug is widely used to treat and prevent conditions such as abdominal bloating, heartburn, discomfort and abdominal pain associated with excessive gas.

Simethicone comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, oral liquid, chewable tablets, and capsules, making it convenient for people of different age groups. It may also be included in combination preparations, for example, together with sodium alginate to treat heartburn or with other substances to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

When using simethicone, it is important to follow the instructions on the package or your doctor's recommendations, especially regarding dosage and duration of treatment.

Indications Simethicone

1. Excessive gas: Simethicone is used to relieve the discomfort associated with excessive gas in the stomach and intestines. This may include abdominal bloating, bloating and discomfort after eating.
2. Colic in infants: Ininfants with colic, simethicone may help reduce the amount of gas in the intestines and ease their discomfort.
3. Medical Examination Procedures: Sometimes simethicone may be used as a premedication before medical procedures, such as endoscopy or x-ray examinations, to reduce foaming in the stomach and intestines and improve image quality.
4. Other Conditions: In some cases, simethicone may be used as a symptomatic treatment to relieve discomfort in other gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, and others.

Release form

Simethicone is available in several dosage forms, providing convenience and flexibility for patients of different age groups and with different preferences. Here are the main release forms of Simethicone:

1. Liquid for oral administration

• This form is ideal for infants and young children, as well as adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Liquid simethicone often has a pleasant taste, making it easier to take.

2. Chewable tablets

• Simethicone chewable tablets offer a convenient way to take the drug on the go or when there is no access to water. They can also be flavored to improve the taste.

3. Capsules and tablets

• Capsules and tablets are the most traditional form of simethicone release and are suitable for adults and children over a certain age. These forms allow precise dosing of the active substance.

4. Drops

• Simethicone in drop form is also commonly used to treat colic and gas in infants. The drops are easy to add to food or drinks, making them a convenient option for the youngest patients.

5. Powder

• In some cases, simethicone may be available in powder form, which is dissolved in water or other liquids before use.

Pharmacodynamics

Simethicone works on the following principles:

1. Gas bubble collapse: It reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles, which causes them to collapse and combine into larger bubbles.
2. Improved elimination of gases: Increasing the size of the bubbles makes them more mobile and easier to remove from the body through the digestive system.
3. Symptom Relief: By removing excess gas, simethicone may help reduce bloating, abdominal rumbling, and discomfort associated with excess gas.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Simethicone is not absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. It acts locally in the intestine, where it breaks down gas bubbles into smaller ones.
2. Metabolism: Since simethicone is not absorbed, it is not metabolized in the liver.
3. Excretion: Simethicone is excreted unchanged in the feces.
4. Half-life: Since simethicone is not absorbed into the blood, its half-life is not applicable.

Dosing and administration

For adults and children over 12 years of age:

• The usual dose is 40 to 125 mg simethicone taken with water after meals and before bedtime to reduce gas and abdominal bloating. The dosage can be repeated every 6 hours if necessary.

For children under 12 years of age:

• The dosage and frequency of administration should be established by a doctor depending on the age and weight of the child.

For infants and children for colic:

• Simethicone is often used in the form of drops. The recommended dose is usually 20 mg (the number of drops may vary depending on the concentration of the drug) after feeding and before bedtime. Follow the instructions on the package or the pediatrician's recommendations.

General application guidelines:

• Simethicone can be taken with or without food, but for best effect, it is recommended to use it after meals and before bedtime.
• For chewable tablets or capsules, chew thoroughly before swallowing to improve their action.
• If simethicone drops for infants are used, they can be added directly to the infant's mouth or mixed with a small amount of breast milk, formula, or water.

Use Simethicone during pregnancy

Simethicone, often used to relieve excess gas in the stomach and intestines, is considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is not absorbed into the body and does not pass through the placenta, so it should have no adverse effects on the fetus. Simethicone is commonly used to relieve discomfort caused by excessive gas, abdominal bloating or colic in pregnant women.

However, as with any other medication, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting Simethicone during pregnancy.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to simethicone or any other component of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Conditions requiring medical intervention: If excessive gas in the intestines is accompanied by serious symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, changes in the frequency or pattern of stools, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. In such cases, you should consult your doctor before starting to take simethicone.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There are no data on the safety of simethicone during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so women in this position should consult a doctor before use.
4. Pediatric: Simethicone is generally considered safe for children, but you should still consult your doctor before giving it to infants or children.
5. Individual Characteristics: People with certain diseases or conditions, such as acute abdominal pain or intestinal disorders, may need to consult a doctor before using simethicone.

Side effects Simethicone

Possible side effects of simethicone include:

• Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Very rarely, mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal discomfort may occur.

Because simethicone is commonly used to treat conditions associated with excess gas and stomach discomfort, its side effects can be difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of the underlying condition.

Recommendations when using simethicone:

• Consult your doctor: It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting Simethicone, especially if you have allergies or are taking other medications.
• Compliance with instructions: It is important to strictly follow the dosage and route of administration recommendations on the package or prescribed by your doctor to minimize the risk of side effects.
• Discontinue use if you have a reaction: If you notice signs of an allergic reaction or other unwanted symptoms after taking Simethicone, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Overdose

Simethicone overdose rarely occurs due to its low toxicity and non-absorption by the body. However, if the recommended dose is exceeded or a large amount of simethicone is consumed accidentally, some undesirable symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal bloating may occur.

In case of suspected simethicone overdose, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention. If possible, information about the amount of the drug consumed and the time of its administration should be provided. In most cases, medical care is limited to symptomatic treatment and maintenance of vital functions.

Interactions with other drugs

Simethicone does not usually interact with other medicines because it acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that its effects on other drugs or their metabolism in the body are minimal. However, as with any medicine, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting simethicone with other medicines to rule out possible unwanted interactions.