From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults: swallow with water 1 or 2 softgels as needed after meals and at bedtime do not exceed 2 softgels in 24 hours except under the advice and supervision of a physician Active ingredient (per softgel) Simethicone 180 mg The recommended dosage of simethicone is:
- 1 or 2 softgels as needed after meals and at bedtime
- Do not exceed 2 softgels in 24 hours, except under the advice and supervision of a physician
- Each softgel contains 180 mg of simethicone 1 1
From the Research
Simethicone is typically dosed at 40-125 mg for adults, taken orally after meals and at bedtime as needed for gas relief, with a maximum of 500 mg daily, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 2.
Key Considerations
- For infants and children, the dosage ranges from 20-40 mg up to four times daily, adjusted based on age and weight.
- Liquid infant formulations usually contain 40 mg per 0.6 mL.
- Simethicone works by breaking up gas bubbles in the digestive tract, making them easier to eliminate through belching or passing gas.
- It's generally considered safe with minimal side effects or drug interactions since it isn't absorbed into the bloodstream.
Administration and Efficacy
- For best results, take simethicone when experiencing gas discomfort, and consider addressing underlying causes of excessive gas such as dietary triggers or swallowed air.
- If gas symptoms persist despite simethicone use, consult a healthcare provider to rule out other digestive conditions.
- The use of simethicone with or without N-acetylcysteine before gastroscopy has been shown to improve mucosal visibility and procedure time 2.