Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that decreases the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to combine into larger bubbles in the stomach that can be passed more easily by burping. Simethicone does not reduce or prevent the formation of gas in the digestive tract, rather, it increases the rate at which it exits the body. However, simethicone can relieve pain caused by gas in the intestines by decreasing foaming which then allows for passing of flatus. Simethicone is not absorbed by the body into the bloodstream, and is therefore considered relatively safe, with sources reporting the worst side effects as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas and heartburn. While sold as a treatment for colic, randomised controlled trials have not borne this claim out.

Simethicone solutions of differing concentration also have industrial applications for reducing foaming in certain chemical processes.

Simethicone comes in many different oral forms, which have differing usual dosages. Though there are standard dosages for adults and teens, dosages for children should be determined by a doctor.

Simethicone is generally available over the counter under many trade names in varying dosage sizes and combinations with other drugs, including:

Simethicone is used in some detergents when foaming is unwanted.

Simethicone is also used in the fermentation process to reduce the shearing of proteins by agitation.

tertiary amines: Atropine · Hyoscyamine

M: DIG

anat(t, g, p)/phys/devp/cell

noco/cong/tumr, sysi/epon