All of us at some point have eaten too fast or too much, which causes us discomfort after a short time, because we are full of air in our stomach and intestines .
In this sense, there are medications specially formulated against these situations, such as dimethicone, whose composition, functions, effects and contraindications will be explained in the following article.
What is dimethicone?
Dimethicone is the combination of two components: dimethylpolysiloxane and silicon oxide . It is an antiflatulent medicine, that is, it relieves the symptoms related to the accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract.
In this sense, the mechanism of action of dimethicone is to decrease the surface tension of said bubbles , causing them to burst and release their internal gas, which is expelled in the form of belching and flatulence. (1)
Note: Dimethicone comes in 300mg/100mg capsules , with an oral route of administration. To take effect, the dose is one capsule 3 times a day when excess gas accumulation occurs. Then 1 capsule 2 times a day.
What is dimethicone used for?
Dimethicone is used to relieve discomfort from accumulated gas , such as occurs in the following situations:
1. Gas and flatulence
Dimethicone facilitates the elimination of accumulated gases , avoiding aerophagia (excessive intake of air at mealtimes, which leads to discomfort) and meteorism (abdominal swelling due to gas accumulation ).
You should know: The accumulation of gas is a phenomenon caused by multiple factors, some that we can control and others that we cannot.
In this sense, eating more slowly, avoiding overeating and carbonated drinks are some basic recommendations . We recommend contacting your doctor, preferably, in case of persistence of symptoms despite the use of dimethicone.
2. Colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
Colitis is inflammation of the colon , which can be caused by infections or autoimmune (inflammatory bowel syndrome) or vascular phenomena. Some symptoms are diarrhea , abdominal pain , colic and other gastrointestinal manifestations.
On the other hand, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional alteration of the intestine, possibly due to autoimmune mechanisms. It can occur with changes in evacuatory habits (diarrhea or constipation) .
To highlight: In these cases , dimethicone acts as a treatment that alleviates certain symptoms . However, it is unable to cure or mitigate the cause of the pathological phenomenon. For this, we recommend contacting your preferred doctor for more information.
3. Gastrointestinal infections
The use of the drug dimethicone relieves symptoms related to infections . Certain conditions modify the intestinal flora or, on the contrary, are the result of a change in the bacterial flora.
In this sense, flatus is mainly composed of hydrogen and methane, produced by bacterial metabolism. Therefore, changes in the microbiota generate changes in gas production , causing discomfort. (two)
Note : Malabsorption syndromes, such as lactose intolerance , where there are intestinal absorption problems, also generate gas when the person eats food that should not . (3)
Dimethicone Side Effects
Dimethicone very rarely generates adverse effects, some due to drug allergy or refractory effect (ie, effect opposite to desire). Next, we will mention the most common ones.
- Allergic reactions, such as rashes or skin rashes.
- Gastrointestinal in nature, such as abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Important: If any of the adverse reactions listed above persist, discontinue use of dimethicone and consult your physician.
contraindications of dimethicone
Due to how their antiflatulent mechanisms work, they could exacerbate certain clinical conditions, such as dyspepsia or intestinal obstructions. Next, we will name the most common ones.
- It is only used in adolescence and adulthood. Children under 12 years of age should not take dimethicone.
- Do not administer if you have certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer.
- Do not indicate in patients with intestinal obstruction or perforation . The release of gases and movement through the tract would worsen the symptoms.
- Do not indicate in case of functional dyspepsia.
- Do not administer in case of known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Note: It is important to carry out a health check with your treating physician before starting treatment with dimethicone.
Key Findings
- Dimethicone is used to relieve symptoms associated with gas.
- It is composed of methylpolysiloxane and silicon oxide , which facilitate the release of gases.
- Dimethicone is used in episodes of gas retention, caused by gastrointestinal disturbances , such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- Dimethicone should be avoided if you have or suspect peptic ulcers or functional disorders such as dyspepsia, nor should it be administered to children under 12 years of age.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.