simeticone at a glance
Medicine class
Antiflatulent and defoaming agent
Usual role
Relieves symptoms associated with intestinal gas
Absorption
Acts in the gut and is not absorbed into the bloodstream
What is simeticone used for?
The selected WindSetlers product is licensed for symptomatic relief of problems associated with intestinal gas.
Flatulence and trapped wind
Wind pain
Bloating and abdominal distension
How does simeticone work?
Simeticone changes the surface properties of small gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to break or join into larger bubbles. This can make gas easier to pass by belching or as flatus. It acts physically and is excreted unchanged in the faeces.
How to take simeticone
Follow the instructions for the exact product, as liquids, drops, chewable tablets and capsules are used differently.
Swallow capsules whole with water.
Shake liquid or drops and measure with the supplied device; do not use a kitchen teaspoon.
Chew chewable tablets before swallowing.
Check combination-product instructions, as other active ingredients may change how the product should be used.
simeticone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea has been reported with WindSetlers; frequency is not stated.
- Constipation has been reported with WindSetlers; frequency is not stated.
Get urgent medical advice
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions may cause an itchy rash or swelling of the face or tongue.
- Breathing difficulty, throat swelling, collapse or reduced responsiveness requires emergency help.
simeticone in pregnancy
The NHS states that simeticone can be taken during pregnancy because it remains in the gut and does not enter the bloodstream. Check with a pharmacist or prescriber before using combination products, as their other ingredients may have different pregnancy advice. The selected WindSetlers SmPC advises caution during pregnancy.
simeticone while breastfeeding
Simeticone is considered compatible with breastfeeding because it is not absorbed and is not expected to enter breast milk. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about products containing additional active ingredients. The selected WindSetlers SmPC advises caution during lactation.
simeticone interactions
The selected WindSetlers SmPC reports no interactions, but NHS advice identifies a possible interaction with levothyroxine. Combination products can have additional interactions.
Levothyroxine
Simeticone may reduce levothyroxine absorption and make thyroid treatment less effective; seek pharmacist or prescriber advice.
Combination products
Interactions may arise from accompanying antacids, antidiarrhoeals or other active ingredients; check the product leaflet.
Common questions about simeticone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What symptoms does simeticone relieve?
It is used for symptoms associated with intestinal gas, including trapped wind, bloating, abdominal distension and wind pain.
Does simeticone remove gas from the gut?
It helps small gas bubbles combine or break, making gas easier to pass; it does not prevent gas production.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.