Table of contents:
- Drug options for flatulence?
- 1. Simethicone
- 2. Bismuth subsalicylate
- 3. Antacids
- When to see a doctor
Flatulence is generally very annoying because of its effect that makes the stomach feel full and bloated. Apart from being able to be treated with simple home-style methods, several types of drugs in pharmacies can also help relieve flatulence.
What types of drugs are available?
Drug options for flatulence?
Apart from making your stomach feel uncomfortable, bloating can also limit the space you can move. That is why you may be very lazy to do activities when your stomach is bloated, especially if your stomach also looks enlarged.
This enlarged stomach is often considered a symptom of a cold and is not always treated with medication. In fact, the real cause is the buildup of gas in the digestive system.
If natural and home remedies don't work, you may need medicinal help. Here are some drug options for flatulence problems.
1. Simethicone
Simethicone is a drug that works to remove a number of excess gas which is the cause of flatulence. This medication can also help reduce belching, pressure on the stomach, and other discomfort.
Simethicone drugs work by breaking down gas bubbles that have accumulated in the digestive system to reduce bloating. That way, gas can flow more easily and freely following the structure of the stomach.
Simethicone can be purchased over the counter and on a doctor's prescription for a stronger dosage. Before drinking it, you should understand the rules of use that are given by the pharmacist, doctor, or carefully read the instructions for use.
Avoid taking simethicone drugs to relieve flatulence more than the recommended instructions. Either with a larger amount, or a longer period of drinking.
You need to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a drug allergy or certain medical conditions that affect the effects of the drug. Especially if the medical problem is related to the stomach and digestive system.
Simethicone should be taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Pay attention to whether your doctor, pharmacist, and the directions on the medicine label recommend chewing or swallowing the tablet immediately.
Simethicone tablets are usually chewed so that they can be absorbed completely. Meanwhile, for simethicone drugs in liquid form, you can drink it directly or with the help of other fluids to make it easier.
Simethicone actually rarely causes allergic reactions. However, tell your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, itching, rash, or swelling of the skin, face, tongue, and so on.
2. Bismuth subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate is an over the counter medication for flatulence. This medication can treat gas buildup, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, acid reflux, and a number of other digestive disorders.
Examples of these drugs include Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate, and Maalox. Doctors and pharmacists will usually determine the rules for drinking it according to conditions, needs. and your body's response to treatment.
Obey these rules and avoid increasing the amount or dose of taking medication more than recommended. Given that there are many types and forms of bismuth subsalicylate, you should always pay attention to the drinking rules for each product.
The dosage and instructions for taking each type of drug can be different. Bismuth subsalicylate in tablet form usually needs to be chewed first before swallowing. For liquid medicine, shake the bottle first before pouring the liquid medicine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions you are experiencing and certain medications you are regularly taking. The reason is, this drug may be risky when taken with certain types of drugs or certain conditions.
3. Antacids
Antacids are usually used to treat symptoms of ulcers, acid reflux, and stomach upset. In addition, antacid drugs can also be used to treat excess gas that builds up in the stomach, causing pressure and bloating.
This is because one of the antacids is simethicone. Simethicone works by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach so that the feeling of bloating gradually disappears.
Antacids are usually available in two forms, namely tablets and liquid. Tablet antacids need to be chewed until they are slightly smooth before swallowing, while liquid antacids can be taken directly according to the dose.
Drink it a few hours before eating or one hour after eating. This bloating medication is safe to drink on an empty stomach or filled with food. However, make sure you follow the drinking instructions from your doctor, pharmacist, or those listed on the drug packaging label.
We recommend that you avoid taking antacid drugs for more than the recommended dosage and timeframe. This medicine is not recommended to be taken for 2 consecutive weeks, unless on the advice of a doctor.
Check with your doctor if your condition does not improve after taking this medicine, or if certain side effects occur. The side effects you need to be aware of include:
- nausea or vomiting,
- weight loss,
- headache,
- bone and muscle pain, as well
- body feels weak.
Also watch for signs of a drug allergy such as itching, rash, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If there is unclear information about the use of this drug, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
When to see a doctor
You can usually treat flatulence with home remedies and over-the-counter medications. However, in certain cases, gas that doesn't get better can also indicate a more serious medical condition.
You should immediately consult a doctor if the medicine you are taking is not able to treat the symptoms of flatulence. This is even more so if you experience symptoms in the form of:
- fever,
- vomiting for more than 24 hours,
- there is blood in the stool,
- swelling of the stomach or other body parts that are not normal, or
- severe pain in the stomach.
Your doctor may recommend further tests of your digestive system. Screening can help find the cause and appropriate follow-up treatment to treat the condition.
