Other Brands/Names
Biogastron, Bundavin, Decamag, Lambucid, New Enzyplex, Polysilane, Trianta, Xepazym.
How It Works
Dimeticone is an anti-flatulence medicine that helps reduce or prevent excessive gas formation in the digestive tract. By limiting the formation of mucus around gas bubbles in the gut, it allows trapped gas to be released from the stomach more easily.
Dimeticone is often combined with antacids (medicines that neutralize stomach acid) to relieve trapped gas and address other digestive issues. The combination of dimeticone with silicon dioxide is called simethicone, which is considered the active form derived from dimeticone.
Dimeticone is also used as an additive in topical products as a skin moisturizer. It helps prevent water loss from the outer epidermal layer, which in turn lessens dryness and peeling.
Indications
Dimeticone is prescribed specifically to relieve bloating in cases of:
- Dyspepsia
- Gastric distension or dilation
- Post-surgical distension
- Stomach ache
- Burning discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Nausea
- A feeling of fullness due to excess gas
- Recurrent and persistent gastrointestinal complaints
Contraindication
Do not use dimeticone in people who have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to dimeticone.
Side Effects
Dimeticone is not known for serious adverse effects. Common reactions may include:
- Mild diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Burning discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Changes in stool texture
When used in moisturizers, dimeticone may cause irritation or itching of the skin, eyes, or scalp.
Types
Dimeticone is available as:
- Film-coated tablets
- Chewable tablets
- Capsules
- Caplets
- Syrup suspension
Dosage
Bloating
- Typical dimeticone dosing is 125–165 mg. In combination products with an antacid, the dimeticone amount is commonly 20–50 mg.
- Take dimeticone on an empty stomach (about 30 minutes before meals).
- Shake syrup suspensions thoroughly before measuring the recommended dose.
- It may be taken 3–4 times daily or as directed by a physician.
- As a 5% cream or 1.2% lotion, apply to the desired skin areas as needed.
Safety
Dimeticone products may be categorized as over-the-counter (OTC), restricted over-the-counter (ROP), or prescription-only. A green label indicates OTC availability, whereas a red label indicates products that require a doctor’s prescription.
Simethicone, the active form related to dimeticone, is listed by the United States FDA as Category C in pregnancy. Animal data have shown adverse fetal effects, and human studies are lacking, so use only when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should exercise caution and consult a clinician before use.
Drug Interactions
Interactions between dimeticone and other medicines are not well established. Consult a doctor if you plan to take dimeticone alongside specific drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Dimeticone. (2022). Retrieved 25 July 2022, from https://www.mims.com/indonesia/drug/info/dimeticone?mtype=generic
Simeticone. (2022). Retrived 25 July 2022, from https://www.mims.com/indonesia/drug/info/simeticone?mtype=generic
Dimethicone. (2022). Retrived 26 July 2022, from https://www.medicineindia.org/pharmacology-for-generic/1376/dimethicone
Dimethicone 410. (2021). Retrived 26 July 2022, from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB14005