Infacol


simethicone (simeticone (UK))

Dentinox Colic Drops (UK), Equalizer Gas Relief, GasAid, Gas-X, Gas-X Extra Strength, Genasyme, Infacol (CA) (UK), Infantaire Gas, Maximum Strength Mylanta Gas, Mylanta Gas, Mylicon, Mylicon Infant Drops, Ovol (CA), Phazyme, Wind-Eze (UK)

Pharmacologic class: Methylated linear siloxane mixture

Therapeutic class: Antiflatulent, antifoam agent

Pregnancy risk category NR

Action

Causes gas bubbles to coalesce and allows gas to pass through GI tract via belching or passing of flatus. Silicone antifoam spreads on surface of aqueous liquids, forming a film of low surface tension that causes foam bubbles to collapse.

Availability

Capsules: 95 mg, 125 mg

Capsules (liquid-filled): 125 mg, 166 mg

Drops: 40 mg/0.6 ml, 40 mg/1 ml, 95 mg/1.425 ml

Suspension: 40 mg/0.6 ml, 50 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 60 mg, 62.5 mg, 80 mg, 95 mg

Tablets (chewable): 40 mg, 80 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 166 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Excess gas in GI tract after surgery or from air swallowing, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, or diverticulitis

Adults and children older than age 12: 40 to 125 mg P.O. q.i.d. after meals and at bedtime, up to 500 mg/day

Children ages 2 to 12: 40 mg P.O. q.i.d., up to 240 mg/day

Children younger than age 2: 20 mg P.O. q.i.d.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug

• Intestinal perforation or obstruction

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• abdominal pain of unknown cause (especially when accompanied by fever).

Administration

• Give as needed after meals and at bedtime.

Adverse reactions

None significant

Interactions

None significant

Patient monitoring

• Monitor GI status to assess drug efficacy.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take after meals and at bedtime as needed.

• Caution patient not to take dose higher than indicated on package unless prescriber approves.

simethicone

(si-meth-i-kone) simethicone,

Degas

(trade name),

Extra Strength Gas-X

(trade name),

Flatulex

(trade name),

Gas Relief

(trade name),

Gas-X

(trade name),

Genasyme

(trade name),

Infacol

(trade name),

Maximum Strength Mylanta Gas

(trade name),

Mylanta Gas

(trade name),

Mylicon

(trade name),

Ovol

(trade name),

Pediacol

(trade name),

Phazyme

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: antiflatulent
Pregnancy Category: UK

Indications

Relief of painful symptoms of excess gas in the GI tract that may occur postoperatively or as a consequence of:
  • Air swallowing,
  • Dyspepsia,
  • Peptic ulcer,
  • Diverticulitis.

Action

Causes the coalescence of gas bubbles.Does not prevent the formation of gas.

Therapeutic effects

Passage of gas through the GI tract by belching or passing flatus.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: No systemic absorption occurs.Distribution: Not systemically distributed.Metabolism and Excretion: Excreted unchanged in the feces.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile (antiflatulent effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POimmediateunknown3 hr

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Not recommended for infant colic.Use Cautiously in: Abdominal pain of unknown cause, especially when accompanied by fever; Obstetric / Lactation: Has been used safely.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

None significant.

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

None significant.

Route/Dosage

Oral (Adults) 40–125 mg qid, after meals and at bedtime (up to 500 mg/day).Oral (Children 2–12 yr) 40 mg 4 times daily.Oral (Children <2 yr) 20 mg 4 times daily (up to 240 mg/day).

Availability (generic available)

Chewable tablets: 40 mgOTC, 80 mgOTC, 125 mgOTC, 150 mgOTCTablets: 60 mgOTC, 80 mgOTC, 95 mgOTCCapsules: 125 mgOTC, 166 mgOTC, 180 mgOTCDrops: 40 mg/0.6 mLOTC, 40 mg/mLOTC, 95 mg/1.425 mLOTCIn combination with: antacidsOTC. See combination drugs.

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess patient for abdominal pain, distention, and bowel sounds prior to and periodically throughout course of therapy. Frequency of belching and passage of flatus should also be assessed.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Acute pain (Indications)

Implementation

  • Oral: Administer after meals and at bedtime for best results. Shake liquid preparations well prior to administration. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing for faster and more complete results.
    • Drops can be mixed with 30 mL of cool water, infant formula, or other liquid as directed. Shake well before using.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Explain to patient the importance of diet and exercise in the prevention of gas. Also explain that this medication does not prevent the formation of gas.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms are persistent.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decrease in abdominal distention and discomfort.

Infacol

A brand name for DIMETHICONE (dimeticone).