What is Dimethicone or Simethicone?

In today’s world, where daily stresses and pressures accompany us, digestive problems are one of the common diseases. Dimethicone tablets are a digestive medicine used to treat bloating and abdominal pain. By reducing the surface tension of air bubbles in the digestive system, this medicine is effective in reducing gas and improving the symptoms of digestive diseases caused by gas accumulation, such as indigestion and the return of stomach contents to the esophagus (gastric reflux). In the following, we will examine the characteristics, performance and uses of Simethicone tablets in the management of digestive problems.

Pharmaceutical forms of Dimethicone

Chemical and herbal medicines available in the country’s market are produced in different forms depending on the needs of patients and doctors. Each form of medicine has a different application for patients. For example, in some drugs, the dose defined in the syrup is different from the tablet of the same drug. Pharmaceutical forms of Dimethicone include 80 and 125 mg tablets, 125 and 180 mg capsules, 80 and 125 mg chewable tablets, 20 mg/0.3 ml syrup or oral liquid, 20 mg/0.3 ml oral suspension. liter and 40 mg/0.6 ml.

Uses of dimethicone

Symmethicone is a product used to relieve symptoms of excess gas such as belching, bloating, pressure or discomfort in the stomach. This drug helps to break the gas bubbles in the intestine and will reduce gas and bloating and thus relieve its symptoms. Before taking the drug, read the drug information on the package, because the pharmacist may have changed the ingredients in it. However, the most important uses of this product include the treatment of gas retention in the digestive system, which can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies in the country.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of simethicone drug

The mechanism of action of simethicone changes the surface tension of gas bubbles and causes the foam bubbles to collapse, thus allowing easier passage of gas and preventing the formation of gas bubbles in the digestive system. The process of removing this product through feces (as unchanged drug) and complete elimination takes place in 24 to 48 hours.

Dosage of simethicone

Before taking any medicine, carefully read the instructions and the information on the product package. If the doctor has prescribed dimethicone (simethicone) for you, take it according to his instructions. Usually take this product after meals and before going to bed with a glass of water. Your dosage should be determined based on the type of disease or inflammation, your medical history, and your age (adult, child, and elderly). Take the medicine according to the general instructions on the product package or with the doctor’s advice to have the greatest effect on your health.

Time to take dimethicone tablets

The time to take simethicone in adults is 40 to 360 mg 6 hours after meals or before bedtime. The daily consumption of this product in adults should not be more than 500 mg per day. If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and then swallow. If you experience side effects after taking the dose, stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, go to the emergency room.

How to use dimethicone in children

1. This product is prescribed for children under 2 years of age, 20 mg 6 hours after meals or before bedtime, the total amount of which should not be more than 240 mg per day.
2. For children 2 to 12 years old, 40 mg 6 hours after meals or before bedtime, which should not exceed 480 mg per day.
3. For people over 12 years of age, 40 to 360 mg 6 hours after meals or before sleep, which should not exceed 500 mg per day.
4. The above values ​​are based on the drug information available on the drug that is commonly used. However, in doctors’ prescriptions, we see the prescription of 8-hourly doses based on the patient’s needs.

Precautions

Patients should prepare a list of chemical and herbal products they use before visiting the doctor and show it to the doctor when visiting the doctor. If you are allergic to a certain drug or product, be sure to tell your doctor before prescribing. Simethicone tablets contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems after use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to get sufficient information and more details regarding the precautions of this drug. If you have a special medical problem or history, be aware of the risks before using it.

1. Before receiving the prescription, the patients should inform the doctor about the products they are using so that the doctor can prescribe the medication with these drugs in mind.
2. If your bloating is caused by inflammation or stomach ulcer, avoid consuming harmful foods such as spicy foods, legumes, carbonated drinks, fast food, etc. These foods cause pain and bloating in the stomach and disrupt the process of simethicone tablets.
3. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, do not take the previous dose.
4. You can avoid bloating in the digestive system, especially the stomach, by following a proper diet or exercising regularly.
5. So far, no specific drug interactions have been reported in the simultaneous use of dimethicone with other drugs. However, patients should consult their doctor before self-administration.

Contraindications for simethicone tablets

Most of the drugs available in pharmacies have precautions and contraindications. If any of these things are not observed, it can have dangerous side effects for you. Patients with diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other disease that requires avoiding consumption or a special diet should use simethicone tablets with caution. Talk to your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products) if you have surgery in the future.

1. In pregnant women, it should be used with caution and only with a doctor’s prescription. Pregnant women use various drugs during their pregnancy, which can cause drug interactions and serious side effects in the fetus and mother.
2. People with extreme allergies should use this medicine with the doctor’s advice.
3. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor about its excretion in milk and drug interactions before use.
4. This drug is not useful for the treatment of infant colic.
5. Consult a doctor if you have dangerous medical history such as (kidney or liver disorder, severe stomach ulcer, serious digestive problems, heart failure, etc.).

Side effects of dimethicone (simethicone)

Dimethicone tablets have no dangerous side effects and no dangerous cases have been reported so far. If you experience any new side effects or problems after taking this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. According to your physical and health conditions, the doctor has determined that this product has more properties in your body than its side effects. Serious side effects or very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. If you see signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling (especially in the face, tongue and throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, etc., see a doctor immediately.

Drug interaction of simethicone

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Before going to the doctor, prepare a list of the chemical and herbal medicines you use so that the doctor can prescribe you according to these products. This reduces the risk of drug interaction and of course the complications caused by it. Simethicone can reduce the absorption of thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine). If you take thyroid medication, take it at least 4 hours before or after products containing simethicone.

Use of dimethicone (simethicone) during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of various chemical and herbal medicines in pregnant women and nursing mothers faces limitations. Although no dangerous side effects and drug interactions have been reported from Dimethicone tablets, pregnant women should take this product with a doctor’s prescription. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. Considering the conditions of pregnant women and the fetus, the doctor can prescribe this medicine based on its properties. Also, if suitable alternative drugs are not available, this drug can be used with a doctor’s prescription.

Dimethicone storage conditions

The conditions and how to store all medicinal and health products are written on it. However, simethicone should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all chemical and herbal medicines at home out of the reach of children and animals. If a drug has expired or is no longer needed, dispose of it properly. Avoid pouring different medicines into the street, toilet well or even sewer.

The difference between dimethicone and simethicone tablets

Both tablets are digestive medicines that are used to treat bloating and abdominal pain in patients. Simethicone is known as activated dimethicone, which consists of the active ingredient dimethicone in the form of silicon particles, which prevents the accumulation of gas in the digestive system by reducing the surface tension of air bubbles. Dimethicone, on the other hand, is an active pharmaceutical ingredient that is used in tablets, capsules, and drops of simethicone. According to the doctor, there is not much difference in terms of properties and performance between these 2 products.

1. Simethicone is a brand name for Dimethicone.
2. Simethicone is available as silicon microparticles, while dimethicone is also used as a pharmaceutical active ingredient in other drugs.
3. Simethicone is available as tablets, syrup, drops, and capsules, while dimethicone is available in tablet or capsule form.

The last word about simethicone tablets

In this article from Positive Green Online Pharmacy magazine, we did a detailed and comprehensive review of simethicone tablets and examined its role in the management of digestive problems. This product is used as an active ingredient in the production of various products and has positive effects in many cases, including indigestion, gas retention, and gastric secretions. Considering the effectiveness and safety of this pill in managing digestive problems, using products containing this substance can help people improve their digestive health and prevent unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, and indigestion.

Site source: Medscape

Frequently asked questions about simethicone