Flacol (Simethicone): An Anti-Flatulent for Gas Relief

Flacol contains Simethicone, an anti-flatulent medication used to relieve symptoms associated with excess gas in the digestive tract. It is classified under anti-dyspeptics/carminatives.

How Flacol Works (Pharmacology)

Simethicone's clinical use is based on its antifoaming properties. It acts in the stomach and intestines to:

• Change the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to coalesce (combine).
• Disperse and prevent the formation of mucus-surrounded gas pockets in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

This action allows gas to be freed and eliminated more easily by belching or passing flatus. Simethicone helps in the elimination of gas from the GI tract and can also reduce postoperative gas pains. Additionally, it can be used prior to gastroscopy to enhance visualization and prior to intestinal radiography to reduce gas shadows.

Key Indications & Benefits

Flacol is indicated for:

• Flatulence, abdominal distension, fullness, gas, and windy colic: It provides relief from the painful symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract, often caused by excessive air swallowing or certain foods. Flacol drops are especially effective in infants, acting directly in the stomach and intestines.
• Large bowel preparation: Addition of Flacol to polyethylene glycol bowel preparation can improve symptoms prior to investigation.
• Treatment of poisoning: It has an anecdotal use as an antifoaming agent in the management of accidental ingestion of foaming detergents.

Dosage & Administration

Take Flacol after meals and at bedtime. It can also be given with infant's feeds. Shake the bottle well before each use. Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

• Children less than 2 years of age: 20 mg (0.3 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily, up to 240 mg/day (3.6 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops).
• Children 2-12 years of age: 40 mg (0.6 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily.
• Adults:
  • 40-125 mg (0.6 ml-1.9 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily, up to 500 mg/day (7.5 ml Simethicone Paediatric Drops)
  • OR 1-3 Simethicone chewable tablets 4 times daily, up to 500 mg/day (12 Simethicone chewable tablets).

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking Flacol.

Side Effects:

• Flacol is physiologically inert, and no adverse effects have been noted after oral ingestion.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnant women: No data are available to suggest any harmful effects.
• Lactating mothers: Excretion of simethicone in breast milk has not been established but is considered most unlikely.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Do not exceed 12 doses per day except under the advice and supervision of a physician.

Drug Interactions:

• There is no evidence that Flacol modifies the effect of other drugs.
• The defoaming effect of Flacol is reduced by antacids such as Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate, which absorb the silicone.

Storage Conditions

Should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.