Degas
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Related to Degas: Renoir
simethicone
(si-meth-i-kone) ,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: antiflatulentIndications
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)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO | immediate | unknown | 3 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 mgOTC
Tablets: 60 mgOTC, 80 mgOTC, 95 mgOTC
Capsules: 125 mgOTC, 166 mgOTC, 180 mgOTC
Drops: 40 mg/0.6 mLOTC, 40 mg/mLOTC, 95 mg/1.425 mLOTC
In 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.
Drug Guide, © 2015 Farlex and Partners
Degas
To release and vent gases. New building materials often give off gases and odors and the air should be well circulated to remove them.
Mentioned in: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.