What is Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Simethicone allows gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines to come together more easily, which allows for easier passage of gas.
Simethicone is used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines. Simethicone is for use in babies, children, and adults.
Simethicone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Simethicone works best if you take it after meals and at bedtime.
Do not take more of this medication than is directed.
Simethicone may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet or increased exercise. It is very important to follow the diet and exercise plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.
There may be other drugs that can interact with simethicone. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to simethicone.
Before taking simethicone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.
Also tell your doctor if you have any type of serious illness, especially one that involves your stomach or intestines.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking simethicone, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether simethicone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby
Maalox Anti-Gas Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Maalox Anti-Gas Interactions
What other drugs affect Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with simethicone. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using simethicone.
Maalox Anti-Gas Dosage
How should I take Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take more of this medication than is directed.
Simethicone works best if you take it after meals and at bedtime.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.
Measure the oral drops with the medicine dropper provided, or use a special dose-measuring spoon. Do not use a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Clean the medicine dropper after each use. Allow it to air dry.
Some liquid forms of simethicone must be shaken before each use. Follow the directions on the medicine label.
Simethicone liquid drops can be mixed with water, baby formula, or other liquids to make swallowing easier for an infant or child.
Children should never be given more than the recommended dose of simethicone. Call your doctor if the child’s gas symptoms do not improve after treatment with simethicone.
Simethicone may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet or increased exercise. It is very important to follow the diet and exercise plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.
Store simethicone at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Keep all liquid medicine in a tightly closed container.
What happens if I overdose on Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of simethicone is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Maalox Anti-Gas (Simethicone)?
Since simethicone is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com