Usual Dosage of Simethicone
The usual dosage of simethicone for adults is 80-125 mg taken orally after meals and at bedtime as needed, with a maximum of 500 mg daily (typically not exceeding 6 tablets per day). 1
Adult Dosing
Simethicone is available in various formulations, with the standard dosing as follows:
- Chewable tablets: 1-2 tablets (80 mg per tablet) thoroughly chewed after meals and at bedtime as needed 1
- Maximum daily dose: No more than 6 tablets (480 mg) per day 1
Pediatric Dosing
While the FDA label provided doesn't specifically mention pediatric dosing, clinical practice generally follows these guidelines:
- Infants: 20 mg four times daily
- Children (2-12 years): 40 mg four times daily
- Adolescents: Adult dosing (80 mg four times daily)
Clinical Applications
Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent used primarily for:
- Relief of painful symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract
- Reduction of bloating and abdominal distension
- As an adjunct in bowel preparation before colonoscopy 2
Efficacy
Simethicone works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract, allowing them to coalesce and be more easily expelled. Research has shown:
- Significant reduction in abdominal bloating compared to placebo 2
- When used as an adjunct to bowel preparation, simethicone improves colon cleanliness and may increase adenoma detection rates 3
- Effective in treating functional bloating with a good safety profile 4
Administration Considerations
- Best taken after meals and at bedtime
- Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing
- Can be combined with other medications (such as loperamide for diarrhea) for enhanced symptom relief 5
Important Precautions
- Simethicone is generally considered very safe with minimal systemic absorption
- No significant drug interactions have been reported
- Can be used during pregnancy and lactation when needed
- If symptoms persist beyond a few days, medical evaluation should be sought as gas-related symptoms may indicate underlying conditions
Simethicone is available over-the-counter in various formulations including tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, and liquid drops, making it easily accessible for symptomatic relief of gas-related discomfort.