The instructions for taking this medicine will vary, depending on the type of simeticone.
Always read the information in the leaflet that comes with the medicine or on the box or bottle.
Dosage
Doses of simeticone vary depending on the type of medicine, the brand and the amount of simeticone in it. The dose is lower for babies.
For wind, the usual dose for adults is between 100mg and 250mg. You can take the medicine as needed, up to 3 or 4 times a day. You'll usually take it after meals and at bedtime.
For babies with colic, the usual dose is between 20mg and 40mg, up to 6 times a day.
When to give it to your baby depends on the brand you have. Some brands are given before feeds and some are given with or after feeds. Check the leaflet that comes with it, or ask your health visitor or pharmacist if you're not sure.
How to take it
Infant colic drops
Shake the bottle. Measure the dose using the dropper or syringe provided and give it to your baby right away.
Some brands can be added to your baby's bottle of milk. Check the leaflet or ask your health visitor or pharmacist if you're not sure.
Liquid
Shake the bottle. Measure the correct dose using a syringe, medicine spoon, or small measuring cup. If you do not have one, ask a pharmacist for one.
Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
Tablets, capsules and gel capsules
Swallow these whole with some water.
Chewable tablets
Chew the tablets before swallowing. You can have a drink of water afterwards if you like.
How long to take it for
Simeticone is generally a safe medicine, so there's no strict limit on how long you or your baby can take it for. However, most people will only need to take it occasionally, or for a short period of time.
Talk to a doctor if you've been taking simeticone regularly for more than 14 days.
It's safe to continue giving your baby simeticone if they have colic for several weeks, but talk to a doctor or health visitor if their symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
If you're taking simeticone to treat bloating caused by an ongoing condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there's no harm in taking it long term. Just make sure you tell a doctor that you're taking it.
If you take too much
Taking too much simeticone is not likely to cause any serious problems. However, it may cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea or constipation.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you've taken or given your baby more than the recommended dose of simeticone
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the simeticone packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.