02/15, 2008
Antiflatulents: About Drug Information
Type of Drug
Anti-gas agents.
How the Drug Works
“Flatulence” refers to excessive amounts of air or gases in the stomch or intestines that result in abdominal discomfort (eg, pain, fullness, bloating). The air or gases are trapped in small bubbles. Simethico relieves discomfort due to flatulence by helping the formation of la gas bubbles which are easier to eliminate by belching or passing rectally.
Excessive air and gases that can accumulate in the stomach or intestines will bind to charcoal. As the charcoal is eliminated from the body, the air and gases are also eliminated, resulting in relief.
Other substances that bind to charcoal include certain poisons, drugs naturally occurring substances. By binding to charcoal, absorption of these substances into the bloodstream is reduced. This can be an advantage in the treatment of poisonings but a disadvantage when it interferes with the effects of a drug.
Uses
Charcoal: For relief of intestinal gas, diarrhea and intestinal distress associated with indigestion.
For prevention of itching associated with kidney dialysis treatment intestinal motility testing.
To treat certain poisonings and drug overdoses by decreasing absorption into the bloodstream and speeding up removal of the poisons drugs from the body.
Simethicone: To relieve abdominal discomfort due to excess air or gasses in the stomach, intestines or both. Conditions where antiflatulents my be helpful include: Surgery, peptic ulcer, air swallowing, spastic or irritable bowel, acid indigestion and diverticulitis.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with charcoal. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with charcoal.
- Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol)
- Propoxyphene (eg, Darvon)
- Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital)
- Salicylates (eg, aspirin)
- Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)
- Sulfonamides (eg, sulfisoxazole)
- Digitoxin (eg, Crystodigin)
Guidelines for Use
Charcoal:
- Take either 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking other oral drugs, because many drugs bind to charcoal in the stomach or intestines and never reach the bloodstream.
- Swallow 2 tablets whole after eating, as needed. Do not chew. Do not exceed 20 tablets per day.
- Stool will turn black. This is normal.
Simethicone:
- Take 1 to 2 tablets as needed after each meal and at bedtime. Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor.
- Gas-X - Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- Phazyme - Do not exceed 3 softgels per day.
- Swallow softgels whole with water.
- Drops - Shake well before using.
- Chewable tablets - Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
- Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Tagged under:Antiflatulents, Articles, dietary supplements, drug overdoses, kidney dialysis, prescription medications stomch