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Pills for bloating and abdominal heaviness
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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In the treatment of flatulence – excessive gas formation in the intestines, leading to bloating and a feeling of discomfort – various means are used, including tablets for bloating and abdominal heaviness, which differ in their composition and principle of action.
Indications pills for bloating and abdominal heaviness.
Indications for the use of tablets containing adsorbents include digestive disorders accompanied by dyspepsia, flatulence and diarrhea, as well as conditions associated with food poisoning or drug intoxication.
The names of the most popular tablets for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract: Activated carbon (Carbolen), Polyphepan (Polyfan, Lignosorb, Filtrum-sti), White coal (Vaitsorb).
Treatment of heaviness in the stomach involves reducing the formation of intestinal gases, for which the drug Espumisan (Simethicone, Simikol, Disflatil and other trade names) is used - capsules or tablets for bloating and heaviness in the stomach based on a surface-active polymer.
The names of tablet preparations that are most often prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders associated with insufficient enzyme production: Pancreatin and its synonyms, produced by different manufacturers - Pancitrate, Pancreazim, Creon, Gastenorm, Mezim-forte, Festal, Mikrazim, Prolipase, etc. These drugs improve digestive processes due to the content of pancreatic enzymes.
In gastroenterology, they are prescribed for pancreatitis, inflammatory diseases of the digestive system and gastrointestinal disorders of various etiologies, including flatulence associated with cholecystitis and deterioration of the intestinal microflora after treatment with antibiotics.
You can also name tablets for bloating and constipation, such as Lactofiltrum, Linex (analogous to Bifiform), Gazospazam (Movespasm), etc.
As for the cost of the named drugs, inexpensive tablets for bloating include Activated Carbon, Pancreatin, Movespazm.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacological action of the most common sorbent, which is activated carbon, is based on the porous structure of this substance, which absorbs and binds foreign particles (including toxins) that are found in the stomach and small intestine.
The enterosorbent White Coal (which is a dietary supplement, not a pharmacological drug) combines silicon dioxide and MCC. Silicon dioxide has long been used as additive E551, which prevents the formation of lumps in food products, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a hydrophilic food additive E460. So there is no coal in this additive, and what is called aerosil in advertising is silicon dioxide, only very finely ground. By the way, it is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many industries. It is a good sorbent, and when it enters the gastrointestinal tract, it binds foreign and toxic particles in biological fluids (by attracting molecules with polar functional groups), which are then excreted from the body.
The descriptions of the White Coal tablets do not contain any information about microcellulose, which is present in each tablet in almost the same amount (208 mg) as silica (210 mg). MCC is an indigestible hydrophilic fibrous substance (obtained from cotton fluff), which, when it enters the stomach, absorbs water and swells (at the same time absorbing everything that is in the gastrointestinal tract). It is also not explained how the two components interact with each other.
But the intestinal adsorbent Polyphepan contains finely dispersed organic non-carbohydrate wood fibers - hydrolytic lignin, which does not dissolve in water and does not decompose under the action of intestinal enzymes. Lignin acts similarly to activated carbon.
In addition to hydrolytic lignin, Laktofiltrum tablets for bloating and constipation contain an osmotic laxative in the form of a synthetic stereoisomer of lactose (milk sugar) - lactulose. The laxative effect of lactulose is due to the fact that it is not absorbed in the intestine, due to which there is an increase in osmotic pressure, at which water passes into the lumen of the colon, increasing the volume of feces and liquefying them. In addition, the intestinal microbiota is normalized, since obligate microorganisms, absorbing lactulose, contribute to the creation of an acidic environment - unfavorable for rotting and the growth of opportunistic bacteria.
Used for diarrhea and intestinal dysbiosis, Linex (in capsules) is a eubiotic and contains lyophilisates of live lacto- and bifidobacteria, which are part of the intestinal microflora. Beneficial microorganisms in the intestine begin to function, contributing not only to its full functioning, but also to the suppression of the activity of pathogenic microbes.
The therapeutic effect of Espumisan capsules is provided by simethicone, an organosilicon polymer with high surface activity. By reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles, simethicone promotes their rupture and the free release of intestinal gases without bloating.
The pharmacodynamics of the combined drug Gazospazam is based on the same simethicone, as well as on the antispasmodic dicycloverine hydrochloride, which relieves intestinal muscle spasms by blocking M-cholinergic receptors.
Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim, etc.) replenishes the body with pancreatic enzymes - pancreatin, lipase, amylase and protease, which leads to a significant improvement in digestive functions and more complete absorption of substances necessary for the body, obtained from food.
Pharmacokinetics
The active ingredients of the tablets Activated carbon, Espumisan, White coal, Polyphepan and Lactofiltrum do not break down and do not enter the blood, but are excreted from the body with feces.
The manufacturers have not studied how the drug Linex behaves in the body, since (as noted in the official instructions) the effect of lactic acid bacteria is manifested only in the gastrointestinal tract.
Dicycloverine hydrochloride included in the drug Gazospazam is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is almost 98% bound to blood plasma proteins. The peak plasma concentration of dicycloverine is noted 1-1.5 hours after administration. Dicycloverine is excreted by the kidneys, some part is excreted by the intestines. The half-life is about 5 hours.
Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) dissolves in the stomach and begins to act in the duodenum, and then, without being absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, in the lumen of the small intestine. Pancreatin is excreted from the body by the intestine (with feces).
Dosing and administration
It is recommended to take activated charcoal 2-3 tablets (chewed and washed down with water) up to three times during the day;
Polyphepan – 3-4 tablets three times a day (one hour before meals, with a sufficient amount of liquid);
White coal – 2 g three times a day (one hour before meals), the maximum duration of administration is five days;
Espumisan – at least three times a day, one capsule (after meals);
Lactofiltrum - 2 tablets one hour before meals three times a day;
Linex – in the same dosage, but only during meals;
Gazospazam – one tablet up to 4 times a day (before or after meals);
Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) – 1-2 tablets two or three times a day (before meals); a single dose is also possible to relieve the feeling of heaviness in the stomach caused by overeating.
Overdose of the above mentioned drugs leads to an increase in their side effects; the drug Gazospazam, when the therapeutic dose is increased, can cause nervous overexcitation with an increase in temperature.
Use pills for bloating and abdominal heaviness. during pregnancy
During pregnancy, short-term use of activated carbon and Espumisan tablets may be possible.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are prohibited from prescribing or taking Gazospaz tablets for bloating and constipation. The drug Polyphepan and the dietary supplement White Coal are also prohibited.
There is no reliable data regarding the safety of the remaining drugs (included in this review) during pregnancy.
Read also – Flatulence during pregnancy
Contraindications
Each of the named drugs has certain contraindications for use.
In case of gastric and duodenal ulcers or in case of gastric bleeding, activated carbon, white carbon and Polyphepan should not be taken. White carbon is also prohibited for use in case of reduced intestinal motility and for children under 14 years of age, and Polyphepan - for gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice.
Espumisan, as well as Gazospazam and Laktofiltrum, are contraindicated in cases of intestinal obstruction and exacerbation of any gastroenterological diseases.
In addition, Gazospazam tablets for bloating and constipation should not be prescribed for severe renal failure or nephritis, inflammatory processes in the intestine, prostate adenoma, thyroid pathologies and glaucoma. This drug is prohibited for children under 12 years of age.
Pancreatin, Creon, Mezim-forte and Mikrazim are contraindicated for patients with acute inflammation of the pancreas and exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.
Side effects pills for bloating and abdominal heaviness.
The most common or likely side effects are:
Activated carbon, White carbon, Polyphepan - constipation, diarrhea, vitamin deficiency, stomach pain, general weakness, exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
Linex and Espumisan – skin rashes of an allergic nature;
Lactofiltrum - diarrhea, increased gas formation, skin allergies;
Gasospasm - nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite; headache and abdominal pain; increased heart rate, general weakness; problems with urination, sleep and coordination of movements.
Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) – dyspeptic symptoms, urticaria, hyperuricemia or hyperuricuria.
Interactions with other drugs
All tablets containing adsorbents reduce or completely block the effect of other drugs - provided they are used simultaneously. For this reason, it is necessary to make a sufficient time interval between taking different medications.
Gazospazam tablets for bloating and constipation should not be taken in the same course of treatment with antiarrhythmic and antihistamine drugs, as well as with neuroleptics and antidepressants.
You cannot take Pancreatin (Creon, Mezim-forte, Mikrazim) together with heartburn medications of the calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide group (such as Rennie or Maalox).
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Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Pills for bloating and abdominal heaviness" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.