gas x for dogs Overview of Simethicone
Simethicone, commonly known as Gas-X® among other brand names, is an anti-foaming and anti-flatulent agent used to alleviate discomfort, pain, bloating, burping, and flatulence caused by excessive intestinal gas in dogs and cats. It functions by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles, allowing smaller bubbles to merge into larger ones.
These larger bubbles are then more easily expelled through burping or passing gas. Although simethicone helps with gas elimination, it does not reduce the production or formation of gas. While simethicone is available over the counter, it should only be used under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.
Brand Names and Other Names for Simethicon
Contents
gas x for dogs
Brand Names and Other Names for Simethicone
Simethicone is marketed under several brand names and is often combined with other drugs in both human and veterinary medicine.
Human Formulations:Alka-Seltzer Anti-GasAnti-Gas Ultra StrengthBaby GaszEquilizer Gas ReliefGas Aid Maximum StrengthGas-XGenasymeMaalox Anti-GasMylanta GasMyliconMytab GasPhazymeSimethicone Combination Products:Alamag Plus® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Aldroxicon® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Almacone® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Balanta® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Dixlanta® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Flatulex® Tablets (Activated Charcoal, Simethicone)Gas-X® with Maalox® (Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone)Gelusil® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Gen-Lanta (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Imodium®
Advanced (Loperamide, Simethicone)Losospan® Plus (Magaldrate, Simethicone)Low Sodium Plus® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Lowsium Plus® (Magaldrate, Simethicone)Maalox® Plus (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Magaant® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Magagel® Plus (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Magaldrate Plus (Magaldrate, Simethicone)Magalox®
Plus (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Maldroxal® Plus (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Masanti® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Mygel® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Mylagel® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Mylagen® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Mylanta® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Ri-Gel II® (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Ri-Mox®
Plus (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Riopan® (Magaldrate, Simethicone)Rolaids Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Rolaids® Plus Gas Relief (Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone)Rulox® Plus (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)Titralac® Plus (Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone)Veterinary Formulations: Various
Uses of Simethicone for Dogs and Cats
gas x for dogs Simethicone is commonly used to alleviate discomfort, pain, bloating, burping, and flatulence caused by excessive intestinal gas in dogs. For treating flatulence, it is most effective when combined with dietary changes. Learn more about managing flatulence in dogs here.
Additionally, simethicone can help break up gas in dogs at risk of or being treated for “Bloat,” also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Veterinarians may also administer simethicone before abdominal radiographs (X-rays) or gastrointestinal endoscopy to improve organ visualization.
Precautions and Side Effects
gas x for dogs
While simethicone is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, it can cause side effects in some animals. It should not be used in pets with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. If your dog exhibits signs of restlessness, a large abdomen, or nonproductive vomiting, seek veterinary care immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition like Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat).
Common side effects of simethicone in dogs and cats include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. Although the safety of simethicone use in pregnant or lactating pets has not been fully established, many veterinarians consider it safe. Simethicone is often used in conjunction with other medications, including antibiotics and anti-nausea drugs. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that simethicone will not interact negatively with any other medications your pet is taking.
How Simethicone Is Supplied
gas x for dogs
Simethicone is available in various forms and strengths, including tablets, chewable tablets, liquid, capsules, syrup, suspension, solution, and fluid-filled capsules. Most formulations of simethicone can be stored at room temperature.
Dosing Information of Simethicone for Dogs and Cats
gas x for dogs
Medication, including over-the-counter options like simethicone, should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. If cost concerns arise, pet insurance might offer some financial relief; click here to learn more. For treating excessive gastrointestinal gas in dogs, the recommended dose of simethicone ranges from 25 mg for small dogs to 200 mg for large dogs, administered every 6 to 12 hours as needed. In cats, liquid formulations are commonly used, with doses ranging from 0.3 mL to 0.5 mL every 8 to 12 hours as needed.
The duration of treatment depends on the specific condition, the pet’s response to the medication, and any potential side effects. It is crucial to complete the full treatment plan as directed by your veterinarian to avoid relapse or resistance. Simethicone can be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Resources & References:
gas x for dogs
Plumb’s Veterinary Handbook by Donald C. Plumb, 8th Edition
- Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Ettinger & Felman
- Current Veterinary Therapy XV, Bonagura and Twedt
- ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline
- Pet Poison Helpline
