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What is Simethicone?

Susan Grindstaff
Susan Grindstaff

Simethicone is a medication typically used to treat indigestion caused by gas. It works by bringing together scattered bubbles of gas so they are easier to pass. Contrary to popular belief, this medication does not prevent gas bubbles from forming. The medication is usually available over the counter at most grocery stores and pharmacies.

When the intestinal tract or stomach is full of gas, it can be expelled by flatulence or belching. If bubbles are scattered, the process of expelling gas takes much longer. In addition, prolonged gas can cause pain in the stomach and chest. The action of pulling the gas bubbles together generally results in the period of discomfort being shortened.

Simethicone should be taken with plenty of water.
Simethicone should be taken with plenty of water.

Though simethicone is available in both tablet and liquid form, most doctors agree that using a liquid form of the medication will result in faster relief. This is because tablets must first be broken down by stomach acid to be effective. Dosages vary according to age and body weight. It is usually recommended this medication be taken with plenty of water.

Beans may cause stomach gas.
Beans may cause stomach gas.

There are generally no known serious side effects associated with the use of simethicone, however, some exceptions apply. Some people may be allergic to the medication, and for those users, side effects could include rash, difficulty breathing, or life-threatening swelling of the throat, face, or lips. Users who have a history of drug allergies should check with their physician before taking any new medications. Some users have reported suffering from constipation after using simethicone. This side effect is believed to be the result of overuse, and when used as instructed, simethicone should not cause this condition.

Fruits may cause stomach gas.
Fruits may cause stomach gas.

People who have repeated occurrences of stomach gas should probably think about making changes in their diets. Foods believed to create gas are usually foods rich in soluble fibers. This includes foods such as beans, whole grains, and many fruits. When these foods are consumed, they typically take longer to digest, and the longer foods stay in the intestinal tract, the more likely they are to cause gas.

Smokers may be susceptible to experiencing stomach gas as a result of swallowing air.
Smokers may be susceptible to experiencing stomach gas as a result of swallowing air.

Another common cause of stomach gas involves how people eat and talk. Some people swallow a lot of air as they are eating or talking, and this air ends up in the stomach as air bubbles. Most of the time, this is caused by eating or drinking too quickly or taking bites of food too large to chew properly. Smokers and people who wear dentures may also be prone to swallowing air.

Discussion Comments

anon989055

I am doing a science-fair project on gas pain relief. Before I started the project I thought the same as wavy58 did. I am so glad I read this article. Thank you!

cloudel

The only side effects of simethicone are the ones that occur if you are allergic. So, other than possibly causing a severe allergic reaction, I don't think simethicone has any bad side effects, and since most people aren't allergic to it, it seems like a safe drug to use.

StarJo

My sister says that simethicone drops are good for babies with gas. Her baby often cries after eating, and the doctor told my sister to try the drops.

Simethicone has done wonders for the baby's gas issues, as well as for my sister's nerves. Anything that can reduce crying is a winner!

wavy58

@JackWhack – Yes, that is how they work. Unfortunately, I didn't know this before taking a simethicone dose at work.

I had assumed that simethicone could somehow magically disperse gas inside my body. I thought that the bubbles would just disappear into thin air before ever reaching the exit.

Even though the flatulence was silent, it smelled horrible! My coworkers were polite enough not to say anything, but I know they had to be suffering. I felt terrible!

JackWhack

So simethicone tables make you release gas by belching and flatulence? Wow, I'm glad I read this article before taking any!

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    • Simethicone should be taken with plenty of water.
      By: Hyrma
      Simethicone should be taken with plenty of water.
    • Beans may cause stomach gas.
      By: Andrey Starostin
      Beans may cause stomach gas.
    • Fruits may cause stomach gas.
      By: baibaz
      Fruits may cause stomach gas.
    • Smokers may be susceptible to experiencing stomach gas as a result of swallowing air.
      By: Artistan
      Smokers may be susceptible to experiencing stomach gas as a result of swallowing air.
    • People who wear dentures may be susceptible to experiencing stomach gas as a result of swallowing air.
      By: Minerva Studio
      People who wear dentures may be susceptible to experiencing stomach gas as a result of swallowing air.
    • Simethicone may cause stomach pain.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Simethicone may cause stomach pain.
    • Simethicone brings together the scattered gas bubbles that can sometimes cause intestinal tract discomfort, making them easier to pass.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Simethicone brings together the scattered gas bubbles that can sometimes cause intestinal tract discomfort, making them easier to pass.