Dimethicone or dimethylpolysiloxane is a drug to treat excess gas in the airways digestion which causes bloating, abdominal pain, or discomfort in the stomach. This drug is also often combined with antacids to relieve heartburn symptoms.
Dimethicone works by breaking down gas bubbles that form in the stomach and digestive tract. That way, complaints can subside. In addition to relieving flatulence, dimethicone is also often used as a mixture in shampoo, powder, nail polish, deodorant, or sunscreen.
Dimethicone trademark: New Enzyplex, Polysilane, Xepazym
What is Dimethicone
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Anti-bloating agent |
| Benefit | Relieves flatulence |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Dimethicone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether dimethicone is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules and suspensions |
Warnings Before Taking Dimethicone
There are several things you should pay attention to before taking dimethicone, including:
- Do not take dimethicone if you are allergic to this drug.
- Consult your doctor first if you want to give dimethicone to children, especially babies who are experiencing colic.
- Talk to your doctor first if you want to use dimethicone with medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor about using dimethicone if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking dimethicone.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Dimethicone
Always read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before consuming medicinal products containing dimethicone. The drug is often found with antacid drugs.
One product that contains 80 mg of dimethicone, 200 mg of magnesium hydroxide, and 200 mg of aluminum hydroxide, has a dose of 1-2 tablets or 1-2 tablespoons, 3-4 times a day.
How to Take Dimethicone Correctly
Read the instructions on the packaging before using dimethicone or any medicinal product that contains dimethicone. If in doubt, discuss and ask your doctor to get the dose and duration of treatment that suits your condition.
Dimetichone capsules or tablets should be taken after meals or at bedtime. Swallow the medicine with the help of water. If you are taking dimethicone as a chewable tablet, chew the medication in your mouth before swallowing it.
If you are taking dimethicone as a suspension, shake the medication thoroughly first, then take the medication according to the dose using a measuring spoon.
Take dimethicone at the same time every day for maximum results. If you forget, take dimethicone immediately if the interval with the next dose is not too close. Ignore and do not double the dose if it is close to the next dosing schedule.
Store dimethicone in a closed container to avoid direct sunlight, store at room temperature, and keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Dimethicone with Other Drugs
The exact interaction effect is not known when dimethicone is taken together with other drugs. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor if you plan to take dimethicone with certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
The active form of dimethicone is simethicone. If simethicone is used with thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, it can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of thyroid medications.
Dimethicone Side Effects and Dangers
Dimethicone rarely causes side effects when taken at the recommended dosage. One of the side effects of dimethicone is a change in stool texture. Check with your doctor if these side effects do not subside.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction after taking dimethicone or a drug product that contains dimethicone.
