Simethicone: instructions for use, price. Use for newborns

Possible during pregnancy

Possible while breastfeeding

Has restrictions for children

Espumisan is used in the treatment of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract associated with gas formation in its organs. This is a well-known and expensive remedy.

Packaging of Espumisan medication

Espumisan is a well-known drug produced by the German pharmaceutical company Berlin-Chemie AG. It refers to drugs that affect the functioning of the digestive system and metabolic processes.

The medicine is based on the active ingredient simethicone. It has surface activity and does not take part in chemical reactions in the body. The action of simethicone is aimed at changing the surface tension of gas bubbles, as a result of which they disintegrate and are partially expelled and partially absorbed into the intestinal wall. Simethicone is not absorbed into the digestive organs, but is excreted unchanged from the body.

The drug is used to eliminate the accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence or colic in infants). Espumisan is used as an antifoam agent for acute poisoning from household detergents. The product is also used before diagnostic procedures (X-ray, ultrasound or endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract). It is prohibited to prescribe it if the patient has intolerance to the constituent components or complete intestinal obstruction.

Espumisan is quite expensive, but you can find its analogues in pharmacies, the cheapest of which are produced in Russia. Substitutes may have identical composition or a similar mechanism of action.

pharmachologic effect

Simethicone has carminative and defoaming properties, and its action is aimed at reducing foam and gas formation in the stomach and intestines. The substance is inert, non-toxic and capable of surface activity.

By physically reducing surface tension, it helps eliminate gas bubbles that form in the intestinal tract during flatulence . In this case, the released gas is absorbed and/or completely removed from the body naturally, without creating any discomfort for the person.

The drug also prevents the further formation of new gas bubbles. This effect is achieved due to the ability of the substance to reduce the surface tension that occurs at the boundary of two different phases.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Simethicone preparations improve irrigation of the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract with contrast agents, thereby preventing the occurrence of breaks in the contrast film.

Simethicone-containing drugs do not irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract , do not provoke changes in the clinical endoscopic picture and do not affect the motility and evacuation function of the stomach and intestines.

The substance is considered completely safe for patients and does not have a negative effect on the equipment used for medical and surgical endoscopic procedures.

Against the background of abuse of food that contains a large amount of carbohydrates formation of gases occurs in the stomach and intestinal tract , which in turn provokes clogging of the intestinal lumen with undigested protein substrates, forming a dispersed system of liquid and gas bubbles. This system completely obeys the laws of surface tension.

Due to disruption of the digestive processes , the absorption of food components worsens, and gas and foam formation increases. Because of this:

normal wall digestion ;
Enzyme activity decreases ;
gas reabsorption decreases .

While using Simethicone:

the severity of gas formation in the intestinal tract ;
the severity of pain in the epigastric region , which is caused by the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract or impaired digestive function ;
general well-being improves with flatulence .

Once in the body, Simethicone is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted unchanged from the body.

Cheap analogs for adults made in Russia

Many countries produce medicines that relieve adults and children from problems with the digestive tract caused by the accumulation of gases. In Russia, the most famous remedy is the Russian drug based on simethicone - Kolikid. Other analogues based on other components are also commercially available.

Simethicone with fennel

This is a popular and inexpensive domestic drug produced by the company Evalar. The effect of the drug is ensured by the activity of its components:

Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles in the intestines.
Fennel has the following properties:

antispasmodic, antiemetic effect;
enhances the production of secretory fluid;
improves digestive function;
improves appetite;
Helps relieve gases from the intestines and stomach.

The medicine is prescribed for the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract due to aerophagia, dyspepsia, and poisoning. It is also used to prepare the patient for diagnostic procedures for examining the gastrointestinal tract. The only contraindication is intolerance to the components of the drug.

The drug is available in the form of capsules, which contain 80 mg of simethicone and about 55 mg of fennel oil. Take them orally, 1 piece 3 to 5 times a day. The medicine is intended for the treatment of adult patients.

The medicine has virtually no side effects. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, which are manifested by swelling of the mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, redness and itching of the skin.

It differs from Espumisan in composition (it has an additional active ingredient and an increased amount of simethicone) and manufacturer. Their prices are also different.

Cumin fruits

This is a natural remedy that is the whole fruit of the medicinal plant caraway. It contains fatty oils, proteins, tannins and essential oils, which have an antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant effect. Cumin also stimulates the secretion of glands of the digestive system and promotes the production of breast milk.

This remedy is prescribed to adults and children as part of complex therapy to eliminate spastic pain in the intestines, flatulence, and constipation. It is forbidden to use cumin if you are sensitive to it or pregnant women. People with arterial hypotension take it with caution.

The package contains 50 or 100 g of cumin fruits. To prepare the medicine, pour 10 g of fruit with boiling water (200 mg) and boil for 15 minutes. Afterwards the solution is cooled and filtered. The finished product is taken orally. Small children are given 1 teaspoon per day, children over 3 years old are prescribed 1 tablespoon, adults drink 1/3 cup per day.

The product is practically harmless. Sometimes it can provoke allergic reactions. It differs from Espumisan in its release form, manufacturer, indications and price. This medicine is very cheap.

Pepphys

Pepfiz refers to enzyme preparations that improve digestive function. It contains several active components:

simethicone (25 mg in 1 tablet);
papain (60 mg);
fungal diastase (20 mg).

Papain and fungal diastase are enzymes that facilitate digestion and promote the absorption of important microelements (carbohydrates, proteins). The drug is prescribed for dyspepsia and flatulence, which are caused by pathologies of the digestive system or food poisoning, overeating, consumption of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine.

It is prohibited to use it for patients who are intolerant to its components, as well as for treating women during pregnancy or lactation and small children.

The release form of the drug is effervescent tablets, which are dissolved in water before use. The resulting liquid is drunk in one gulp. The patient is allowed to take 1 or 2 tablets no more than 3 times a day. May provoke the development of allergies.

It differs from Espumisan in composition because, in addition to simethicone, it contains digestive enzymes. At the same time, its positive effect on food digestion is noted.

Antareit

Antareit is a combination remedy used for digestive disorders. In addition to simethicone, it contains the substance magaldrate. Its main actions:

enveloping;
adsorbent;
neutralizes the damaging effects of hydrochloric acid on the stomach.

Medicine is prescribed for symptoms caused by high acidity in the stomach. It can be:

heartburn;
a sour taste in the mouth;
pain in the abdomen;
feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the stomach.

It is also used for dyspeptic symptoms and flatulence, especially provoked by eating heavy food, certain medications, alcohol abuse or smoking. Among the contraindications are:

hypersensitivity to constituent substances;
fructose intolerance;
severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
hypophosphatemia;
Alzheimer's disease;
child's age up to 12 years.

The drug is available in the form of chewable tablets. They contain 400 or 800 mg of magaldrate and 20 or 40 mg (respectively) of simethicone. Take 1 or 2 tablets after meals.

The drug can provoke digestive upset, and with long-term use of large doses, electrolyte balance is disrupted in patients and kidney function deteriorates.

Kolykid

Colikid is a popular domestic remedy used for gas formation in the digestive system. It is a complete structural analogue of Espumisan, therefore it has identical indications and contraindications. Available in the same dosage forms (tablets, suspension). Only the Kolikid tablet contains a higher content of simethicone (125 mg).

Dinolak

Dinolak is a laxative. In addition to simethicone, it contains a synthetic disaccharide (glucose + fructose). This substance is not metabolized and is not absorbed in the stomach. It enters the large intestine unchanged. There the substance is transformed and helps reduce the acidity of the intestinal contents and increase peristalsis.

A remedy is prescribed to eliminate constipation due to hepatic coma or encephalopathy, hemorrhoids, dysbiosis, and intestinal dysfunction due to antibiotics. It is prohibited to use it for intestinal obstruction, as well as for patients with lactose and fructose intolerance.

The drug is produced in the form of a suspension, which can be prescribed to children from birth. Its dosage depends on the age of the patient.

Disflatil

This medicine is another analogue of Espumisan in composition. It is also used to eliminate flatulence and colic in children from birth. Dosage form – suspension (40 mg\1 ml). It is taken according to the same scheme as Espumisan L:

Children from birth are prescribed 10 drops before meals 2 or 3 times a day;
from 6 years – 15 or 20 drops no more than 4 times a day;
adults and children over 14 years of age can drink 25 drops 4 times a day.

Disflatil is a cheaper domestic copy of the drug Espumisan L. The drugs have identical effects, indications and contraindications.

Indications for use

It is advisable to prescribe Simethicone:

patients suffering from manifestations of flatulence (including flatulence , which occurs after surgical operations );
with aerophagia (a pathological condition that is manifested by increased swallowing of air during meals);
patients diagnosed with gastrocardial syndrome ( Roemheld syndrome );
when preparing a patient for an x-ray ;
when preparing a patient for sonography ;
when preparing a patient for endoscopic manipulations ;
when preparing a patient for an ultrasound diagnostic .
in case of poisoning with surfactants;

Inexpensive substitutes for Espumisan Baby for children

Espumisan Baby is a medicine for colic in a child, which occurs due to excessive gas formation in the digestive tract. It can be replaced by such children's drugs as Bobotik, Bebinos and others.

Bobotik

A Polish-made product, which is intended specifically for the treatment of colic in infants up to one year old, as well as eliminating flatulence in older children. The main component contains simethicone (about 66 mg per 1 ml of solution).

Its release form is sweet drops for oral use. Newborns are recommended to give 16 drops before or after each feeding. The drug is safe and almost never causes adverse reactions.

Bebinos

The drug belongs to the class of antispasmodics and carminatives. It contains natural ingredients:

fennel;
chamomile flowers;
coriander.

Medicine is prescribed for flatulence and cramps in infants (for example, those that occur during the transition to artificial feeding). Can also be used for older children. It is not allowed to drink it if the child has an intolerance to its components, including sorbitol.

Bebinos is produced in the form of drops, which are contained in a 30 ml glass bottle. Drops are taken orally undiluted or added to food and drink. The dosage regimen is determined by the age of the child:

from birth to one year – 3-6 drops three times a day;
over one year old - no more than 10 drops 3 times a day;
Schoolchildren are given 10 or 15 drops three times a day.

The drug is usually well tolerated by children. In rare cases, they may experience skin or respiratory allergic manifestations.

Sub Simplex

This product is produced in France. It is available in the form of an oral suspension, 1 ml (25 drops) of which contains a little more than 69 ml of simethicone. Sub complex is used to eliminate colic in young children. It is also used by adult patients for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders associated with gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract. It should not be used if you are intolerant to the constituent substances.

Children are recommended to give 15 drops with food (at each feeding). Adults take 30-45 drops every 4 hours.

The fruits of dill

This product contains the dill fruits themselves in dry form. One package contains 50 g of them. The drug is a completely herbal remedy. It has the following actions:

diuretic;
carminative;
antispasmodic;
choleretic;
improves intestinal motility.

Also, fragrant dill has expectorant properties. Therefore, it is prescribed not only for flatulence, but also for respiratory diseases (bronchitis).

The medicine is prepared as follows: the fruits (about 10 g) are poured with boiling water and boiled for about 15 minutes. Then cool and squeeze. The finished product is taken one teaspoon (small children) or a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Simethicone: instructions for use, dosage regimen

The drug is available in several dosage forms and various concentrations. For this reason, the optimal dose of Simethicone in each specific case should be determined by the attending physician, who is based on the patient’s age, as well as the severity and nature of the disease.

The medicine is taken orally after meals or simultaneously with meals, optimally before bedtime. For children, Simethicone is mixed with food or liquids. The duration of the course of treatment may vary depending on the prescription of the attending physician.

For adult patients, the dose of Simethicone in the form of a suspension is from 25 to 50 drops. Before each use of the suspension , it is recommended to shake the bottle thoroughly. It is recommended to take one or two capsules It is not necessary to take the drug with liquid.

In accordance with the instructions for use of Simethicone, school-age children are prescribed to take 15-20 drops of the drug in the form of a suspension , and preschool children and newborn babies - 10-15 drops.

Before the procedure for examining the intestinal tube, the recommended daily dose of the drug is 6 to 8 capsules or 150 to 200 drops of suspension. It is recommended to begin preparation two days before the study. On the day of the study, take two capsules or 50 drops of the drug in the form of a suspension . A similar dose should be taken immediately before the procedure.

Patients with signs of intoxication with surfactants are prescribed to take 20 to 25 ml of suspension.

Forms of release, list and prices of main analogues

The drug is available in several forms, each of which has its own characteristics. They differ in appearance, indications, dosage and method of application. Espumisan is presented on pharmacy shelves in the following dosage forms:

Capsules for oral administration. The capsule consists of a soft gelatin shell, which contains a viscous, cloudy liquid inside. The capsules are round in shape and yellowish in color. 1 piece contains 40 mg of simethicone. The package contains 25 capsules.
Emulsion in the form of oral drops. It looks like a white viscous liquid. The emulsion is contained in glass bottles of 30 or 50 ml. 1 ml of the drug contains 40 (Espumizan L) or 100 mg (Espumizan Baby) simethicone.
Granules (Espumizan Extra). They are contained in a single-use sachet of 125 mg. To take the medicine, you just need to pour the contents of the sachet into your mouth, and you do not need to drink it down. The package contains 14 such sachets.

Capsules and granules are allowed to be taken by adults and children over 6 years of age. Oral drops can be prescribed even to newborns.

Espumisan is not a cheap product. Its price in rubles depends on the form of release. In pharmacies there are substitutes for its composition, which are cheaper. Among them:

Simethicone;
Simikol;
Sub Simplex;
Meteospasmil;
Disflatil;
Antiflat;
Bobotik.

These drugs contain identical active ingredients. Therefore, they have the same indications, contraindications and side effects as Espumisan.

Analogues of Simethicone

Analogs of the drug are medicines created on its basis:

Bobotik;
Espumisan;
Sub simplex;
Disflatil;
Meteospasmil;
Pepphys;
Simikol;
Alverin;
Kolykid;
Infacol.

Simethicone for newborns

Due to its safety and low absorption rates in the gastrointestinal tract, is allowed to be used in young children. It is also suitable for newborn babies. The optimal dosage form is drops or suspension .

Before use, shake the bottle with the drug, after which the required dose is mixed with breast milk or water. A single dose should not exceed 50 mg of the active substance. The permissible number of such doses per day is 5.

The drug can be used for a long period of time, up to several weeks.

Complex preparations containing simethicone

These are drugs of the gastrointestinal group:

Almagel-Neo – antacid (anti-acid) agent, suspension;
Antareit – antacid and carminative, chewable tablets;
Dinolak – laxative with lactulose, emulsion for oral administration;
Imodium-Plus - anti-diarrhea medicine with loperamide, chewable tablets;
Meteospasmil – antispasmodic with alverine, capsules;
Pepfiz – an enzyme preparation with fungal diastase and papain, effervescent tablets;
Relzer - antacid medicine with aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, licorice root powder, suspension;
Simalgel-VM – antacid medicine with aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, suspension;
Unienzyme® with MPS is a digestive enzyme with fungal diastase, papin, activated carbon and nicotinamide, black sugar-coated tablets.

Read on the topic: What foods cause fermentation in the intestines?

Simethicone price

Simethicone is the active ingredient in a large number of carminative medications. The medicine itself can rarely be found in pharmacies, unlike drugs in which it is included as an active ingredient.

Depending on the country and the pharmaceutical manufacturing company, the price of a Simethicone-containing product can vary from 175 ( Espumisan produced by Berlin-Chemie, Germany) to 400 Russian rubles (about the same amount it costs to purchase the drug Meteospasmil Laboratories Majoli Spindler, France, which is produced in capsule form).

You can buy Simethicone without a doctor's prescription. The drug and its analogues are sold in most pharmacies and pharmacy chains.

Before purchasing and using Simethicone for newborns, you should consult with the child's doctor.

Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia

ZdravCity

Simethicone with fennel Evalar capsules 25 pcs Evalar ZAO
282 rub. order
Gazex simethicone Mirrolla/Mirrolla capsules 200mg 30pcs Mirrolla LLC
RUB 161 order
Simethicone 40mg Erzig capsules 290mg 50pcs Pharmaceutical Factory LLC
RUB 295 order
Simethicone with fennel soft gelatin capsules 0.31g 100pcsEvalar JSC
RUR 545 order
Simethicone 40mg Erzig capsules 290mg 20pcs Pharmaceutical Factory LLC
RUB 144 order

Contraindications and side effects

An absolute contraindication for simethicone is individual intolerance to the components in the product. In addition, taking the drug for intestinal obstruction is prohibited. The drug is not prescribed until the age of 6 years.

There were no negative side reactions of the body when taking the drug. The exception is allergic reactions that may occur due to intolerance to the drug. Overdose of the drug has not been confirmed in practice. If you experience any unpleasant body reactions after taking it, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.