simethicone (OTC)

Frequency Not Defined

Loose stools

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to simethicone

Cautions

Chewable tablet should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing; liquid-filled capsules should not be chewed

Can cause false-negative gastric guaiac test

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Not absorbed systemically; not expected to be excreted in milk

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Changes surface tension of gas bubbles and causes collapse of foam bubbles, thus allowing easier passage of gas and preventing gas pockets in gastrointestinal tract

Elimination

Excretion: Feces (as unchanged drug); complete excretion within 24-48 hr