Flacol Pediatric Drops

Uses of Flacol Pediatric Drops

• Peptic ulcer
• Infantile colic
• Flatulence (gas/wind)
• Upper GI bloating
• Functional dyspepsia
• Spastic or irritable colon

How does Flacol Pediatric Drops work?

Simethicone is an antifoaming medicine. It disintegrates gas bubbles and allows easy passage of gas.

Side Effects of Flacol Pediatric Drops

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Coating On Tongue

Quick Suggestions:

• Avoid Gas-Producing Foods: Onions, sprouts, cabbage, turnips, lentils, and beans are known to cause gas and bloating in some individuals. Reducing or avoiding these foods can help alleviate symptoms.
• Cut Down on Fatty and Spicy Foods: High-fat and spicy foods can slow down digestion and contribute to bloating. Reducing the consumption of these foods may help improve digestive comfort.
• Limit Fizzy Drinks: Carbonated beverages like sodas can introduce extra gas into the digestive system, leading to bloating. Reducing fizzy drink consumption can be beneficial.
• Reduce Caffeine Intake: Caffeine can act as a stimulant in the digestive system and may cause bloating in some people. Reducing caffeine intake from sources like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate can be helpful.
• Avoid Chewing Gum: Chewing gum can cause you to swallow air, leading to bloating. Avoiding chewing gum can reduce excess air intake.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can lead to swallowing air, which contributes to bloating. Quitting smoking can have multiple health benefits, including improved digestion.
• Eat Slowly: Eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air and incomplete digestion. Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can aid digestion and reduce bloating.
• Include Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, which can support healthy digestion. However, for some individuals, certain high-fiber foods may cause gas. Finding the right balance and choosing well-tolerated fruits and vegetables can be beneficial.
• Avoid Using Straws: Drinking through straws can cause you to swallow more air, leading to bloating. Drinking directly from a cup or glass can help minimize excess air intake.

Indication of Flacol Pediatric Drops

Flacol is an antiflatulent medication used to treat symptoms related to excess gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These symptoms may include bloating, pressure, fullness, or discomfort.

• Relief from Flatulence: Flacol's antifoaming activity helps disperse and prevent the formation of mucous-encased gas pockets in the GI tract, providing relief from flatulence.
• Postoperative Gas Symptoms: Simethicone can be used to relieve postoperative gas symptoms, which may occur after surgery.
• Improved Visibility in Medical Procedures: Simethicone can also be administered to improve visibility during gastroscopy, a procedure where the inside of the stomach is examined using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. It can also minimize gas shadows during intestinal radiography, which is an X-ray examination of the intestines.
• Collapsing Foam Bubbles: By changing the surface tension of gas bubbles, Simethicone causes the collapse of foam bubbles in the GI tract, making it easier for gas to pass and preventing the formation of gas pockets.

Pharmacology

Simethicone, the active ingredient in Flacol, works as an antifoaming agent. It changes the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, causing them to coalesce and allowing gas to be released and removed more easily through belching or passing flatus.

Dosage & Administration of Flacol Pediatric Drops

Here are the dosing guidelines for Simethicone:

For Infants (less than 2 years of age):

• Dose: 20 mg (0.3 ml) of Simethicone Pediatric Drops
• Frequency: 4 times daily
• Maximum Daily Dose: Up to 240 mg/day (3.6 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops)

For Children (2-12 years of age):

• Dose: 40 mg (0.6 ml) of Simethicone Pediatric Drops
• Frequency: 4 times daily

For Adults: Option 1:

• Dose: 40-125 mg (0.6 ml-1.9 ml) of Simethicone Pediatric Drops
• Frequency: 4 times daily
• Maximum Daily Dose: Up to 500 mg/day (7.5 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops)

Option 2:

• Dose: 1-3 Simethicone chewable tablets
• Frequency: 4 times daily
• Maximum Daily Dose: Up to 500 mg/day (12 Simethicone chewable tablets)

It's important to administer Simethicone after meals and at bedtime. The medication can be given with the infant's feeds, and the bottle should be shaken well before each use to ensure proper distribution of the medication.

As always, follow your doctor's instructions or the recommendations on the product's label regarding dosing, frequency, and duration of use. If you have any questions or concerns about the proper dosage or use of Simethicone, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Interaction

• Simethicone may interact with certain medications, including levothyroxine, a hormone medication used to treat thyroid disorders.
• Levothyroxine is typically taken by individuals with thyroid problems, and it is essential to inform your doctor if you are using both levothyroxine and Simethicone. Simethicone may affect the absorption or effectiveness of levothyroxine, potentially leading to changes in thyroid hormone levels. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of levothyroxine to ensure proper thyroid hormone levels are maintained.

Contraindications

If your child is allergic to Simethicone or any other ingredients of Flacol Pediatric Drops.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnant women: No data are available to suggest any harmful effects.
• Lactating mother: Excretion of simethicone in breast milk has not been established, and would be most unlikely.

Precautions & Warnings

Allergy: Do not take Simethicone if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

• Ileus Disease: Inform your doctor if you have ileus disease, which is a condition characterized by intestinal obstruction.
• Thyroid Problems: Let your doctor know if you have thyroid problems before using Simethicone.
• Obstructive Gastrointestinal Disorders: If you have any obstructive gastrointestinal disorders, inform your doctor to ensure the appropriate use of Simethicone.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU): Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder that leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine in the body. Inform your doctor if you have PKU, as certain formulations of Simethicone may contain phenylalanine.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Simethicone. They will assess the potential benefits and risks to both you and your baby.

Medication and Herbal Supplements: Let your doctor know about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking, as well as any herbal supplements. This information helps your doctor identify potential interactions and ensure the safe use of Simethicone with your current medications.

Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and guidelines for using Simethicone. If you experience any unusual or concerning side effects while using the medication, seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and specific health needs.

Storage Conditions

• Store at 20°-25°C, in a cool dry place.
• Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.