Mylicon
simethicone (simeticone (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.
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(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: antiflatulentIndications
- Air swallowing,
- Dyspepsia,
- Peptic ulcer,
- Diverticulitis.
Action
Therapeutic effects
Pharmacokinetics
Time/action profile (antiflatulent effect)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO | immediate | unknown | 3 hr |
Contraindications/Precautions
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
None significant.Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction
None significant.Route/Dosage
Availability (generic available)
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.