How Fast Does Gas-X (Simethicone) Work?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses how quickly Gas-X (simethicone) works.
I have gastrointestinal issues and I was recommended to take Gas-X. How fast does it begin working?
Oct 03, 2022- Gas-X works within a few minutes by breaking apart gas bubbles in your digestive tract so gas can be eliminated more efficiently.
- You may still experience some flatulence or belching as the gas is being eliminated, but bloating should noticeably decrease.
- Simethicone is not absorbed into your body and passes through unchanged in your stool, making it very well tolerated with rarely any side effects.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out! Gas-X contains simethicone, an antiflatulent agent used for the symptomatic relief of flatulence (i.e. gas), gastric bloating, and postoperative gas pains.
Gas-X begins to work quickly after taking a dose by mouth, generally within a few minutes. This fast onset of action is due to how the medication works to relieve gas.
How Gas-X (Simethicone) Works
Simethicone is commonly referred to as an "anti-foaming" agent as it disperses and prevents the formation of mucus-surrounded gas pockets (i.e. bubbles) in the GI tract.
It does this by altering the surface tension of gas bubbles, preventing these pockets from forming and causing them to break apart more quickly. Simethicone allows for gas to be processed and eliminated in a more efficient manner.
As simethicone eliminates existing gas bubbles more quickly, it is sometimes used as an antifoaming agent in gastrointestinal and colonoscopy procedures.
Gas-X (simethicone) is physiologically inert and is not systemically absorbed. Our bodies do not metabolize simethicone and it is excreted unchanged in the feces. Additionally, simethicone is not known to interfere with gastric secretion or nutrient absorption.
How To Take Gas-X
Gas-X is indicated to be taken up to 4 times per day after meals and at bedtime. Doses range from 40 mg to 180 mg per tablet (or similar dosage form).
High doses of simethicone are used for enhancing the delineation of upper abdominal anatomy in conjunction with ultrasound imaging. A specific product (SonoRx) is used for this purpose.
Additional Information
Simethicone is the anti-gas agent in several additional over-the-counter products, including some Mylanta, Phazyme and Maalox products. It typically is very well tolerated and rarely causes side effects.
Final Words
Simethicone products, such as Gas-X, work very quickly after taking a dose by mouth and you should notice relief within a few minutes.
It is important to note that you may still experience flatulence and/or belching as gas is eliminated. It should noticeably decrease bloating, however.
References & sources
- Simethicone in the treatment of infant colic: a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial — PubMed
- Evaluation of simethicone for the treatment of postoperative abdominal discomfort in infants — PubMed
- Simethicone Monograph — ClinicalKey
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Simethicone
- An active ingredient that breaks up gas bubbles in the digestive tract to relieve bloating and flatulence.
- Antiflatulent
- A type of medication designed to reduce or relieve excessive gas in the digestive system.
- Flatulence
- Excess gas in the stomach or intestines that causes bloating or is passed as belches or intestinal gas.
- Gastric bloating
- A feeling of uncomfortable fullness or swelling in the stomach area.
- GI tract
- The gastrointestinal tract, which is the system of organs responsible for digestion from the mouth to the rectum.
- Surface tension
- A property of liquids and gases that causes them to form bubbles; simethicone alters this to break apart gas pockets.
- Systemically absorbed
- When a substance enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body.
- Metabolize
- The process by which the body breaks down a substance into different chemical forms to use or eliminate it.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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