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Introduction:
An antiflatulent is a type of medication used to relieve symptoms associated with excessive gas in the digestive system. Excessive gas can cause discomfort, bloating, belching, and flatulence, and antiflatulents are designed to alleviate these symptoms by reducing or eliminating the buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Antiflatulents work through various mechanisms, depending on the specific medication. Some antiflatulents, such as simethicone, work by breaking down gas bubbles in the digestive system, making them easier to pass and reducing bloating and discomfort. Others may have additional properties, such as reducing intestinal spasms or promoting the expulsion of gas through burping or flatulence.
These medications are available in different forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquids. They are typically taken orally and can provide relatively quick relief from symptoms.
Historical story:-
Silicon was discovered by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1824
Today it is produced by heating sand (SiO2) with carbon to temperatures approaching 2200°C.
For this reason it is difficult to categorize silicones as natural or laboratory made.
Dimethicone was suggested as a protective ingredient for the skin barrier as early as the late 1950s, and is covered in the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) monograph for skin protectants
Absorption:
The use of dimethicone in skin moisturizers or anti-lice products have proven a very low absorption rate.
Studies have indicated that approximately 0.5% of the dose applied to the skin could be considered as bioavailable.
When given orally, as it is administered in anti-gas medications, dimethicone is not absorbed or absorbed in very minimal quantities that account only for 0.001-0.2% of the administered dose. Therefore, a minimal to absent dimethicone form can be detected outside of the GI tract
Main mechanism of action:
For its use as an anti-flatulent agent, dimethicone acts as an antifoaming agent and it works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles.
This causes the combination of the bubbles to form larger bubbles in the stomach which can pass easily by means of belching
Side effects:
Most emollients can be used safely and effectively with no side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly
Drug-Drug interaction:
dimethicone can decrease the absorption of thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine). If you take thyroid medication, take it at least 4 hours before or after products that contain dimethicone.
Drug food interaction:
Dimethicone, as a topical ingredient, is not typically associated with significant drug-food interactions.
Since dimethicone is primarily used externally on the skin and does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts, its interactions with food are generally minimal.
Examples:
Monography:
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