Simethicone for colic in newborns

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

The therapeutic effect of the dietary supplement is based on the properties of its active components:

• Simethicone: helps reduce surface tension at the interface, making it difficult to form and destroy gas bubbles in the mucus of the gastrointestinal tract and intestinal contents. Gases, after release, are absorbed by the intestinal wall or removed under the influence of peristalsis. This prevents the formation of large gas-mucus conglomerates, which lead to painful bloating. Simethicone does not enter into chemical reactions and removes foam physically;
• fennel fruits: have an antispasmodic, antiemetic effect, stimulate appetite, reduce/stop gastrointestinal colic, increase secretion of the intestines and stomach and relieve them of gases, help improve digestion.

The main effects of Simethicone with fennel Evalar:

• reduction of gas formation;
• relief from functional colic and bloating.

Pharmacokinetics

Simethicone is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and does not affect the digestion process. Due to chemical and physical inertness, the substance does not affect microorganisms and enzymes present in the gastrointestinal tract, does not reduce food absorption, and does not change the volume and reaction of gastric juice.

After passing through the gastrointestinal tract, simethicone is excreted unchanged, so the likelihood of adverse reactions is assessed as minimal.

Simethicone - a carminative drug for bloating

Increased gas formation is an unpleasant phenomenon familiar to every person after eating certain foods.

But flatulence is also caused by various pathologies that can pose a danger to the body, for example, after operations.

In all situations where excessive gas formation creates discomfort, medications are taken to eliminate it. One of the most effective means for this purpose is Simethicone.

Instructions for use

The active substance of the drug directly affects the surface tension of the liquid bubbles, causing bloating, after which they burst.

The nature of their formation is associated with the abuse of food with an excessive carbohydrate content. For this reason, the intestinal lumen becomes clogged with undigested proteins, which create a dispersed system for the formation of bubbles.

The released gases are released naturally without any discomfort . Taking the drug reduces the ability to form new bubbles due to changes in the properties of the liquid at the boundary of two different phases.

Simethicone is not absorbed by the intestinal walls, which makes its use completely safe.

Indications

Prescribing Simethicone is advisable in the following cases:

• Manifestations of flatulence, including those that are a consequence of surgery;
• Conditions of aerophagia, when air is swallowed along with food intake;
• When diagnosing gastrocardial syndrome;
• As an element of preparation for radiography, endoscopy, ultrasound or sonography;
• After poisoning with compounds that have surface-active properties.

During clinical trials, it was observed that the drug has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa, reducing the effect of organic acids, acetylsalicylic and hydrochloric acid on it.

It also has the property of suppressing the activity of certain pathological microorganisms, and can be used in the complex treatment of gastric diseases.

Mode of application

Simethicone is taken in doses, at the appointed time, and for a certain period of time according to the doctor’s recommendations. Depending on the formulation, the rules of administration are as follows:

• The drug is taken before bedtime or after meals;
• Capsules are swallowed whole without chewing;
• The tablets must be chewed during administration;
• The liquid form is dosed with special measuring instruments included with the medicine;
• The liquid form can be mixed with liquid food products;
• The liquid form should not be frozen or stored for more than 30 days after opening.

The dosage of the medicine is affected by the patient’s age and indications, as well as the concentration of the active substance in it. For medicinal purposes, adults take 20-50 drops, 1-2 capsules or one tablet per dose.

For infants, a suspension or drops is used . Before taking, the drug is shaken, and the required amount is dosed with a measuring device, and mixed with water or breast milk. A single dose should not be higher than 50 mg, and the maximum permissible daily number of doses should not be more than five.

Release form

Simecticon is available in various easy-to-use forms:

• Emulsion 40 or 100 mg/ml in vials of 30 or 50 ml;
• Capsules 40 mg;
• Susp. 40 mg/ml in vials of 30, 50, 75, 100 ml;
• Susp. 66.6 mg/ml in a 30 ml vial;
• Tablets 80 and 125 mg.

Interaction with other drugs

The active ingredient Simecticon is incompatible with the simultaneous use of certain drugs:

• Its simultaneous use with antacids that neutralize hydrochloric acid in the secretion of gastric juice is unacceptable;
• It is undesirable to use it together with Hydrochlorothiazide and Fosinopril, as this reduces their absorption. The interval before the next dose should be more than two hours;
• Co-administration with Ribaverine reduces the availability of the latter.

Simethicone is also used in combination with other compounds as components of medications:

• Simethicone with Loperamide is the drug Imodium plus;
• Simethicone with magnesium hydroxide and algedrate is Almagel neo;
• Simethicone with alverine citrate is Meteospasmil.

Side effects

Simethicone is chemically neutral and does not have any side effects on organs and systems, except for rare allergic reactions after taking it in the form of redness of the skin, difficulty breathing, itching, swelling of the throat, lips and tongue.

Despite the low absorption properties and the classification of the medicine as safe, if the permissible dosage is exceeded, you should consult a specialist.

During pregnancy

Due to its inert properties and isolated cases of side effects, Simecticon is prescribed, if necessary, to pregnant women, as well as during the entire period of lactation.

Storage conditions and periods

The drug should be stored in a dark place, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C for two years. Opened packaging is stored under the same conditions for no more than a month. Keep away from children!

Price

The cost of the drug depends on the manufacturer, the country in which it is sold, and the value of the pharmacy chain’s trade markup.

• The average price in Russia is from 160 to 490 rubles;
• The average cost in Ukraine is from 119 to 514 UAH.

Analogs

There are several manufacturers of drugs that produce their own brands with the substance Simethicone, but have different names, these are:

Flatulence. What is flatulence?

Contraindications

Among the contraindications, the manufacturer indicates:

• individual intolerance to components;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period.

As you can see, women during pregnancy and during lactation are not recommended to take Simethicone with fennel; the instructions for use state this.

However, the summary for the dietary supplement on the official website of the Evalar company does not mention that the drug is contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers. Something to think about.

Firstly, this drug, like most medications, is not studied on pregnant and nursing mothers, due to the inhumanity of the method.

Secondly, the fennel fruit component raises doubts.

On a note! Simethicone is the only drug that has shown SMALL effectiveness in studies of infant colic problems.

But fennel did not receive such an evidence base. Pediatricians prescribe fennel to infants out of old habit, although in large quantities it can even be harmful to infants.

Before giving your baby any medications to treat colic, try natural and safe ways to cope. Watch the online course Soft tummy: how to protect your baby from gas, colic and tummy pain>>>

"Espumizan L" for colic in a baby

A highly effective drug that quickly eliminates increased gas formation. It not only prevents the formation of gas, but also contributes to the destruction of already accumulated gases. It is excreted from the body unchanged.

It is in great demand, as it is allowed even for infants. Lactase deficiency and diabetes mellitus are not a contraindication for use, due to the absence of sugar and lactose in the composition.

The absence of serious consequences, as well as a large number of positive reviews, make Espumisan for children one of the most frequently prescribed drugs.

How to give Espumisan to a child for colic?

You should first carefully study the instructions or consult a doctor in order to avoid undesirable consequences associated with the individuality of the body.

The recommended dose of the drug is 25 drops. Should be taken strictly during or after meals. To improve the method of administration, drops are added to a bottle with any liquid. The presence of a measuring cup allows you to quickly and accurately measure the dosage.

Indications for use

Simethicone is prescribed to infants for the symptomatic treatment of gas formation in the digestive tract, bloating, and aerophagia. The drug, which contains fennel, is also effective for colic.

The medicine is indicated in preparation for diagnostic studies of the abdominal cavity (ultrasound, gastrofibroscopy, radiography, sonography). Used to reduce gas formation in case of poisoning with detergents.

Additional Information

People with acute sensitivity to substances that are part of the product may experience an immediate or delayed allergy. If these manifestations occur, you should immediately stop taking the drug and consult a specialist for advice.

The instructions for Simethicone say that the emulsion does not contain sugar or its components, so the product is suitable for people with diabetes of any form.

When treating increased gas formation, you should refrain from drinking drinks with gas and foods that can provoke symptoms of bloating.

The use of this drug can distort the final results of some examinations, so you should warn your doctor.

The drug does not affect the speed of psychomotor reactions and perception of the situation, so it can be taken while driving a car.

When is this remedy prescribed?

Modern pediatricians insist on the “physiology” of intestinal colic in newborns. It is believed that the baby's digestive tract is too imperfect in the first few months after birth to fully cope with the emerging functional load. This is due not only to the formation of enzyme systems, but also to a gradual improvement in the microbial composition of the intestines in children. The result of this gradual “maturation” of the digestive tract is increased gas formation. The small tummy swells quite strongly and extremely unpleasant and quite intense painful sensations arise, to which the baby reacts with a piercing cry.

Instructions for use

Each form of the drug has its own instructions, which contain dosage and methods of use, as well as age restrictions.

Drops

They are prescribed to be taken after eating food orally. The bottle should first be shaken to form a homogeneous emulsion.

In case of strong formation of gases and their accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, the medicine is prescribed according to a specific schedule.

1. From the 30th day of life until 24 months, they should be taken 8 drops 4 times in 24 hours.
2. From 24 to 72 months they are prescribed 13-15 drops 4 times in 24 hours.
3. From 72 months (6 years) and older they take 16 drops 4 times in 24 hours.

To ensure accurate drop collection, it is recommended to hold the bottle vertically, neck down.

To make it easier for small children to take the product, it can be mixed with a small amount of non-gas liquid, milk or formula.

After the symptoms subside, it is recommended to stop treatment.

To prepare for examinations, the drug must be taken 2 times in 24 hours in the dosage recommended by the doctor. They start drinking it a day before the procedure.

Capsules

This form is prescribed for severe gas formation. It is suitable for adults and children over 72 months (6 years). Simethicone capsules should be taken 2 units per 24 hours. They must be taken with the required amount of liquid without gases after eating and, if necessary, 30-40 minutes before bedtime. The duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor based on the symptoms.

To prepare for examinations, take 2 capsules a day before the procedure. 3 times in 24 hours.

In case of poisoning (to exhibit an antifoaming effect), the product is used once. For adults, the dose is 10-20 capsules, for children 4-10 capsules. The exact amount will be prescribed by the doctor.

Pills

Instructions for use of tablets and capsules are similar. There are only small differences.

Simethicone tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. If necessary, they can be washed down with a sufficient amount of non-carbonated liquid.

Suspension

This form of the drug is added to newborn babies on artificial nutrition, adding 15 drops to the bottle at each feeding. The product mixes well with food.

Children from 12 months of age to 6 years of age are given the medicine before or during meals, 15 drops. Also, if necessary, you should give 15 drops of the suspension before going to bed.

From 6 years old, doctors prescribe 16-20 drops of Simethicone with fennel before or during meals every 5 hours.

The duration of therapy is determined by the attending doctor.

Before using the suspension, the bottle must be vigorously shaken.

Before examinations, the drug is prescribed by a doctor, prescribing the dosage and duration of use.

Analogs

Direct analogues of the drug that can be used for newborns are medications with simethicone, such as:

• Oral suspension Sab Simplex;
• Emulsion Espumisan L and drops for oral use – Espumisan baby;
• Suspension Antiflat Lannacher;
• Disflatitis drops;
• Drops Bobotik;
• Drops, suspension and emulsion Simikol;
• Suspension Infacol.

These medications contain Simethicone and additional components - flavorings and sweeteners.

Drugs that have a similar effect include:

• Plantex,
• Pepphys,
• Gascon Drop,
• Carminative collection.

However, the active substance in them is different.