Simethicone (patient information)
Why is this medication prescribed
Simethicone is used to treat the symptoms of gas such as uncomfortable or painful pressure, fullness, and bloating.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used
Simethicone comes as regular tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take simethicone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the regular tablets and capsules whole. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed; do not swallow them whole. Do not take more than six simethicone tablets or eight simethicone capsules each day unless your doctor tells you to. The liquid may be mixed with 1 ounce of cool water or infant formula.
What special precautions should I follow
Before taking simethicone:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to simethicone or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking simethicone, call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose
If you are taking simethicone on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
When taken as directed, simethicone usually has no side effects.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know
Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about taking this medicine.
Brand names
- Alka-Seltzer® Gas Relief Maximum Strength Softgels®
- Flatulex® Drops
- GasAid® Maximum Strength Softgels®
- Gas-X®
- Gas-X® Extra Strength
- Gas-X® Extra Strength Liquid
- Gas-X® Extra Strength Softgels®
- Genasyme®
- Genasyme® Drops
- Maalox® Anti-Gas Extra Strength
- Maalox® Anti-Gas Regular Strength
- Mylanta® Gas Relief
- Mylanta® Gas Relief Gelcaps®
- Mylanta® Gas Relief Maximum Strength
- Mylicon® Infant's Drops
- Phazyme® Infant Drops
- Phazyme®-125 Softgels®
- Phazyme®-166 Maximum Strength
- Phazyme®-166 Maximum Strength Softgels®
Brand names of combination products
- Imodium® Advanced Caplets® containing Simethicone and Loperamide Hydrochloride
- Imodium® Advanced Chewable Tablets containing Simethicone and Loperamide Hydrochloride