Degas

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: 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)

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 mg^OTC, 80 mg^OTC, 125 mg^OTC, 150 mg^OTC

Tablets: 60 mg^OTC, 80 mg^OTC, 95 mg^OTC

Capsules: 125 mg^OTC, 166 mg^OTC, 180 mg^OTC

Drops: 40 mg/0.6 mL^OTC, 40 mg/mL^OTC, 95 mg/1.425 mL^OTC

In combination with: antacids^OTC. 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.

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