simethicone

Simethicone is an orally administered anti-foaming agent used to alleviate symptoms associated with excessive gastrointestinal gas, such as bloating, pressure, and flatulence. It functions as a surfactant by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles within the digestive tract, causing them to coalesce into larger bubbles that are more easily expelled via belching or flatus. Beyond its use as an over-the-counter treatment for dyspepsia and infantile colic, simethicone is widely utilized in clinical gastroenterology as an adjunct to bowel cleansing regimens (e.g., polyethylene glycol) prior to colonoscopy or capsule endoscopy. By eliminating foam and bubbles that can obscure the mucosal surface, it enhances visualization quality and may reduce the need for intraprocedural flushing, thereby potentially lowering the risk of endoscope-associated infections. Simethicone is chemically inert and not absorbed into the bloodstream, making it suitable for use in both pediatric and adult populations.

Brand names

Gas-XMyliconPhazymeMaalox Anti-GasMylanta GasInfacolWind-EzeImodium Multi-Symptom Relief

Other names

activated dimeticonedimethylpolysiloxanedimethylpolysiloxane silicon dioxide mixtureactivated methylpolysiloxane