Experiences with

Simeticone

Simeticone (or simethicone) is a type of medicine called an antiflatulent. It's used to treat farting (flatulence), trapped wind and bloating, although we cannot be certain if it really works for these symptoms.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes take simeticone to ease their symptoms.

It may also help with colic in babies, although there's not much scientific evidence that simeticone really works for this.

Simeticone is a mixture of silica gel and dimeticone (or dimethicone), a type of silicone, and is also known as activated dimeticone. It works by bringing together the small gas bubbles in your gut to form bigger bubbles, allowing trapped air to pass through your body more easily.

You can buy it in pharmacies without a prescription, and in some shops.

It comes as tablets, capsules, drops and a liquid that you swallow.

Simeticone often comes combined with other ingredients such as medicines to treat indigestion (antacids) or diarrhoea. When it's combined with other ingredients, brand names include Maalox Plus and Imodium Plus.

Who can take simeticone

Most adults and children, including newborn babies, can take simeticone.

Who may not be able to take simeticone

Simeticone is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you or your child, tell a pharmacist or doctor if you (or your child):

• have ever had an allergic reaction to simeticone or any ingredients it is combined with
• are having treatment for a thyroid problem

Simeticone often comes combined with other ingredients. It's important to read the leaflet that comes with the medicine, or the information printed on the box or bottle, to make sure the medicine is suitable for you or your child.

If you're not sure, ask a doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Dosage

Doses of simeticone vary depending on the type of medicine, the brand and the amount of simeticone in it. The dose is lower for babies.

For wind, the usual dose for adults is between 100mg and 250mg. You can take the medicine as needed, up to 3 or 4 times a day. You'll usually take it after meals and at bedtime.

For babies with colic, the usual dose is between 20mg and 40mg, up to 6 times a day.

When to give it to your baby depends on the brand you have. Some brands are given before feeds and some are given with or after feeds. Check the leaflet that comes with it, or ask your health visitor or pharmacist if you're not sure.

How to take it

Infant colic drops

Shake the bottle. Measure the dose using the dropper or syringe provided and give it to your baby right away.

Some brands can be added to your baby's bottle of milk. Check the leaflet or ask your health visitor or pharmacist if you're not sure.

Liquid

Shake the bottle. Measure the correct dose using a syringe, medicine spoon, or small measuring cup. If you do not have one, ask a pharmacist for one.

Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

Tablets, capsules and gel capsules

Swallow these whole with some water.

Chewable tablets

Chew the tablets before swallowing. You can have a drink of water afterwards if you like.

How long to take it for

Simeticone is generally a safe medicine, so there's no strict limit on how long you or your baby can take it for. However, most people will only need to take it occasionally, or for a short period of time.

Talk to a doctor if you've been taking simeticone regularly for more than 14 days.

It's safe to continue giving your baby simeticone if they have colic for several weeks, but talk to a doctor or health visitor if their symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

If you're taking simeticone to treat bloating caused by an ongoing condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there's no harm in taking it long term. Just make sure you tell a doctor that you're taking it.

If you take too much

Taking too much simeticone is not likely to cause any serious problems. However, it may cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea or constipation.

• you've taken or given your baby more than the recommended dose of simeticone

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 . Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the simeticone packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Common side effects

Simeticone is a very safe medicine and is generally not known to cause any side effects.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to simeticone.

Simeticone and pregnancy

Simeticone only works in your gut and does not get into your blood. It's safe to take if you are pregnant.

Some products contain simeticone with other medicines or ingredients. Check with a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure which type is safest in pregnancy.

Simeticone and breastfeeding

Simeticone is OK to take while breastfeeding. It does not get into breast milk.

Some simeticone products contain other ingredients. Always check the ingredients and ask a pharmacist for advice. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you.

Simeticone and fertility

There's no evidence that simeticone affects fertility in either men or women.

Cautions with other medicines

Simeticone is generally safe to take with other medicines.

However, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you take simeticone if you are taking levothyroxine for thyroid problems. Simeticone might stop levothyroxine being absorbed properly, meaning it will not work as well.

If the medicine contains other ingredients with simeticone, check the leaflet or talk to a doctor or pharmacist to make sure you can take it with other medicines.

Mixing simeticone with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with simeticone. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Related links

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence