Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas

Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas belongs to a group of medicines known as Anti-dyspeptic/Carminatives. The clinical use of Simethicone is based on its anti-foaming properties.

The defoaming action of Simethicone relieves flatulence by dispersing and preventing the formation of mucus-surrounded gas pockets in the gastrointestinal tract.

It acts in the stomach and intestines to change the surface tension of gas bubbles, enabling them to collapse; thus gas is freed and eliminated more easily by blanching or passing flatus.

This medicine is used in the following cases:

• For treating symptoms of infantile colic.
• For the relief of the painful symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract including bloating, fullness or stuffed feeling.
• As an adjunct in the treatment of post-operative gaseous distention, peptic ulcer, air swallowing, functional dyspepsia, spastic or irritable colon.
• Prior to gastroscopy to enhance visualization and prior to radiography of the intestine to reduce gas shadows.
• In the management of accidental ingestion of foaming detergents.
• Besides, it may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Simethicone is available in the following dosage forms without a prescription:

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Liquid
• Solution
• Suspension
• Syrup

If you are about to start using Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risk-benefit ratio of taking the drug should be considered carefully. The suitable drug therapy is chosen by a doctor with the active participation of the patient.

There are some important factors such as drug interactions, the presence of any metabolic impairment, history of hypersensitivity reaction, pregnancy, lactation etc. that may alter the desired therapeutic effects of a medicine.

Although there is no information about the contraindication of Simethicone, the presence of other health disorders may affect the beneficial effects of this medicine. Thus, you should tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems.

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented. But it is better to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some other medications or even any over-the-counter medicine for another health problem in order to avoid unwanted toxic effects.

On the contrary, adequate and well-controlled human studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy. Also, there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters. In addition, excretion of simethicone in the breast milk has not been established.

To use Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The dosage schedule and the duration of drug therapy depend on the particular medical problem for which you are going to use this medicine.

The therapeutic dose may also vary with the patient’s condition or requirement and the strength of the medicine as well.

• Children younger than 2 years of age: 20 mg 4 times daily up to 240 mg/day.
• Children ranging from 2 to 12 years of age: 40 mg 4 times daily.
• Adults and children older than 12 years of age: 40 to 80 mg 4 times daily up to 500 mg/day.

For effective use of Simethicone, it is advised to take this medicine after meals and at bedtime or as directed by the physician for the best results.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. But when it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Further, it is advised to store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. All kinds of medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. However, outdated medicines should be disposed of in an appropriate way.

Before using Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas, there are some precautions you must take. Firstly, regular visits to your doctor are recommended to check the prognosis while undergoing drug therapy.

Besides, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Do not smoke before meals.
• Chew food thoroughly and slowly.
• Avoid foods that seem to increase gas.
• Develop regular bowel habits and exercise regularly.
• Reduce air swallowing by avoiding fizzy, carbonated drinks.
• More than 12 doses per day should not be used, except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
• Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet.

Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas is physiologically inert and no adverse effect has been reported after oral ingestion.

However, if you notice any side effects, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.