A common problem that parents face when they have a newborn baby is gas in their baby's stomach. The baby keeps crying, presses his legs to his stomach, doesn't sleep well, and doesn't feel better even after feeding. Parents who see this discomfort also feel very sad. Simethicone drops are a very popular medicine that is often recommended when you go to the doctor at such times. So today, let's talk about this in detail and simply. Let's see what this medicine is, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Simethicone?
Simply put, Simethicone is a medicine that reduces the discomfort caused by gas bubbles in the stomach. What this medicine does is break up the large gas bubbles that form in our digestive system into smaller bubbles. It's like breaking up a bunch of soap bubbles that have stuck together.
When large gas bubbles become smaller in this way, they can be easily passed out of the body. This means that it becomes easier to burp or pass wind. This helps relieve symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fullness, and bloating, and you feel better.
This medicine comes under various brand names in Sri Lanka. For example, you may have heard of names like `(Mylicon)`, `(Infacol)`, `(Gas-X Infant)`. Whatever the name, the main drug inside is Simethicone.
Things you should tell your doctor before giving you medicine
It is very important to clearly explain these facts to your doctor before giving this medicine to your child.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you or your child has an allergy to Simethicone or any other medicine, food, preservative, or food dye.
- Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby, mention that as well.
Although Simethicone is generally a very safe medication, it is best and safest to discuss this information with your doctor before using any medication.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.
1. Oral administration: This medicine should be administered orally.
2. The right dropper: Use only the special dropper that comes with the medicine bottle. Do not use teaspoons or other medicine droppers at home. Because you need to give the exact dose prescribed by the doctor.
3. How to give: You can put the medicine from the dropper directly into your baby's mouth, on the cheek. Or, you can mix it with a little water (about an ounce), formula, or breast milk.
4. Dosage: The most important thing is the dosage. Give exactly the amount your doctor tells you or the amount on the bottle label. Never give more than that.
Do you need to be careful when giving it to children?
Yes. Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine even for newborn babies. But always, give this medicine to children only on the advice of a doctor . The dosage may vary depending on the child's age, weight, and symptoms.
What happens if you give too much medicine?
Imagine you have accidentally given too much medicine. Don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or take the child to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Symptoms to watch out for when giving medication
Simethicone is usually used to relieve discomfort caused by gas. However, sometimes, these symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition. So, be aware of the following:
| Situation requiring attention | What to do |
|---|---|
| If the symptoms do not improve or worsen despite medication. | See your doctor again immediately. |
| If your baby/you have severe stomach pain . | See your doctor again immediately. |
| If you experience diarrhea or constipation. | See your doctor again immediately. |
| If you see blood coming out with your stool. | This can be a serious condition. See a doctor immediately. |
What are the possible side effects?
Simethicone is a very safe drug, so side effects are rare. In fact, since this drug is not absorbed by the body, the chance of side effects is very low.
However, as with any medicine, an allergic reaction may occur in very rare cases.
Side effects that require immediate attention:
If you notice anything like a skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, it is an emergency. Stop giving the medicine immediately and see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
How to store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Keep the medicine bottle high and out of reach of children.
- Room temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat and extreme cold. Do not refrigerate.
- Keep it tightly closed: When finished using, close the bottle tightly.
- Expiration date: If the expiration date on the bottle has passed, do not use the medicine. Throw away any leftovers. It is a good practice to write the date the bottle was first used on the bottle.
Take-Home Message
- Simethicone is a medicine that is used to relieve discomfort caused by stomach gas, not to cure a disease.
- Always give the exact dose prescribed by the doctor, using the dropper that comes with the bottle.
- Although this is generally a very safe medicine, seek medical advice immediately if you experience unusual symptoms such as severe stomach pain or blood in the stool.
- If you notice signs of an allergy, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, consider it an emergency and go to a hospital immediately.
- Store the medicine bottle in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, don't guess, talk to your doctor.
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