simethicone (Rx, OTC)
Generic: Simethicone
Brand: Barriere, Equaline Extra Strength Gas Relief, Gas Relief, Gas-Relief, Gas-X, Good Sense Ultra Strength Gas Relief, Mylanta Gas, Mylanta Gas Relief, Mylicon, Ovol, Phazyme, Top Care Gas Relief Extra Strength, Walgreens Gas Relief
(si-meth'i-kone)
Pharmacological Action
Disperses, prevents gas pockets in GI system; lowers surface tension of gas bubbles
Therapeutic outcome: Belching or flatus
Uses
Flatulence Unlabeled uses: Dyspepsia
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, GI obstruction/perforation
Precautions: Pregnancy C, abdominal pain, fistula, hiatal hernia
Dosage & Routes
Adult and child >12 yr: PO 40-125 mg after meals and at bedtime prn, max 500 mg/day Child 2-12 yr: PO 40 mg after meals and at bedtime prn, max 240 mg/day Child <2 yr: PO 20 mg qid prn
Available forms: Chew tabs 40, 150, 166 mg; tabs 60, 80, 95, 125 mg; drops 20 mg/0.3 ml, 95 mg/1.425 ml; caps 95, 180 mg; caps, soft gel 125, 180 mg; oral dissolving film 62.5 mg
Implementation - Give after meals and at bedtime - Shake susp well before administering - Chew tab should be chewed and not swallowed whole
Adverse Effects
GI: Belching, rectal flatus, diarrhea
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: None
Distribution: None
Metabolism: None
Excretion: None
Half-life: Unknown
Pharmacodynamics
Onset: Rapid
Peak: Unknown
Duration: 3 hr
Interactions
None provided.
Nursing Considerations
Assessment - Identify the reason for excess gas production: decreased bowel sounds, recent surgery, other GI conditions
Patient/family education - Caution patient that tab must be chewed; to shake susp well before pouring
Evaluation
Positive therapeutic outcome: Absence of flatulence
Reference
Need clinical tools for this drug?
Save notes, bookmark this drug, and run formula method (desire over have) dosage calculations all inside the KosPharm Dashboard.
One-time payment. No subscription. No recurring charges.
Sign in to Get Full Access