Maalox Anti-Gas (Oral)

Simethicone helps to relieve the painful symptoms caused by excessive gas in the stomach and intestines.

Your doctor may also use simethicone for other conditions.

You can buy simethicone without a prescription.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

This medicine has been tested in children and, at effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. As a result, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of simethicone in elderly patients with use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to use your medicine in relation to food, alcohol, or tobacco.

There have not been any common or important side effects reported with this medicine. However, if you notice any side effects, check with your doctor.

In the U.S.

• Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas
• Anti-Gas Ultra Strength
• Baby Gasz
• Equilizer Gas Relief
• Gas Aid Maximum Strength
• Gas-X
• Genasyme
• Maalox Anti-Gas
• Mylanta Gas
• Mylicon
• Mytab Gas
• Phazyme

In Canada

• Ovol
• Phazyme Liquid Gas Relief, Maximum Strength

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule, Liquid Filled
• Tablet, Chewable
• Tablet
• Suspension
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antiflatulent

For effective use of simethicone:

• Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

Take this medicine after meals and at bedtime for best results.

For patients taking the chewable tablet form of this medicine:

• It is important that you chew the tablets thoroughly before you swallow them. This is to allow the medicine to work faster and more completely.

For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine:

• This medicine is to be taken by mouth even if it comes in a dropper bottle. The amount you should take is to be measured with the specially marked dropper or measuring spoon.

Avoid foods that seem to increase gas. Chew food thoroughly and slowly. Reduce air swallowing by avoiding fizzy, carbonated drinks. Do not smoke before meals. Develop regular bowel habits and exercise regularly. Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active ingredient.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For symptoms of too much gas: For oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets): Adults and teenagers—Usual dose is 60 to 125 milligrams (mg) four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. The dose should not be more than 500 mg in twenty-four hours. Children—Dose must be determined by the doctor. For oral dosage form (chewable tablets): Adults and teenagers—Usual dose is 40 to 125 mg four times a day, after meals and at bedtime or the dose may be 150 mg three times a day, after meals. The dose should not be more than 500 mg in twenty-four hours. Children—Dose must be determined by the doctor. For oral dosage form (suspension): Adults and teenagers—Usual dose is 40 to 95 mg four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. The dose should not be more than 500 mg in twenty-four hours. Children—Dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.