Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: SIMETHICONE TABLETS/CAPSULES - ORAL (sye-METH-ih-cone)
BRAND NAME(S): Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Relief, Phazyme
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles in the digestive tract. This medication is used to relieve symptoms of excess gas. It has also been used in the management of infant colic.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as prescribed usually after meals and at bedtime.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated when used as directed. There are no reports of any side effects due to this medication. However, if you experience any adverse effects while taking this medication, notify your doctor.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially drug allergies). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if simethicone passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before using this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including any antacids or digestive medication since some combination products may also contain simethicone. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: If you experience problems with gas, limit foods known to cause gas and bloating such as beans, cabbage, broccoli and peanuts. Ask your doctor or a dietician for help in reviewing your diet.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Intestinal Gas - Learn about intestinal gas (belching, bloating, flatulence) including causes, how it is evaluated, and how excessive intestinal gas is treated
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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