Drug Detail:Alka-seltzer anti-gas (Simethicone [ sye-meth-i-cone ])
Drug Class: Miscellaneous GI agents
Usual Adult Dose for Dyspepsia
Chewable Tablets: 80 to 160 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
Extra Strength (125 mg) Capsules: 125 to 250 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
Ultra Strength (180 mg) Capsules: 180 to 360 mg orally once after a meal or at bedtime as needed
Maximum Strength (250 mg) Capsules: 250 to 500 mg orally once after a meal
Tablets: 125 mg orally 3 times a day as needed after meals or at bedtime
Maximum dose: 500 mg/day
Comments:
- Patients should not exceed the maximum daily dose unless otherwise directed.
- Doses taken at bedtime pay provide overnight symptom relief.
Use: Relief of gas bloating, fullness, pressure, or a stuffed feeling
Usual Adult Dose for Flatulence
Chewable Tablets: 80 to 160 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
Extra Strength (125 mg) Capsules: 125 to 250 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
Ultra Strength (180 mg) Capsules: 180 to 360 mg orally once after a meal or at bedtime as needed
Maximum Strength (250 mg) Capsules: 250 to 500 mg orally once after a meal
Tablets: 125 mg orally 3 times a day as needed after meals or at bedtime
Maximum dose: 500 mg/day
Comments:
- Patients should not exceed the maximum daily dose unless otherwise directed.
- Doses taken at bedtime pay provide overnight symptom relief.
Use: Relief of gas bloating, fullness, pressure, or a stuffed feeling
Usual Pediatric Dose for Flatulence
Age-based dosing:
- Infants less than 2 years: 20 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
- Maximum dose: 240 mg/day
- Children greater than 2 years: 40 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
- Maximum dose: 480 mg/day
Weight-based dosing:
- Under 10.9 kg: 20 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
- Maximum dose: 240 mg/day
- Over 10.9 kg: 40 mg orally after meals and at bedtime as needed
- Maximum dose: 480 mg/day
Comments:
- Weight-based dosing should be used when possible.
- Caregivers should be instructed to use the enclosed syringe; other dosing devices should not be used to dose this drug.
- Doses may be administered by dispensing into the child's mouth OR by mixing with 30 mL cool water, infant formula, or other liquids.
Use: Relief of infant gas frequently caused by air swallowing or certain formulas or foods
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Oral drops/emulsions/solutions/suspensions: Shake prior to use.
Storage requirements:
- Capsules: Protect from heat, light, and moisture
- Chewable tablets and tablets: Protect from moisture
- Oral drops/emulsions: Do not freeze
- Oral suspensions: Once opened, discard after 28 days.
Reconstitution/preparation techniques:
- Oral drops/emulsions: May be mixed with 1 oz of cool water, infant formula, or suitable liquids immediately prior to administration
Patient advice:
- Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Patients should be instructed to avoid using products if the tamper evident feature(s) are torn, broken, and/or missing.
