Simethicone (Gas-X) for Dogs and Cats

Overview of Simethicone

• Simethicone, commonly known as Gas-X® and several other names (see below under “Brand Names and Other Names”), is an anti-foaming and anti-flatulent agent used to treat discomfort, pain, bloating, burping, and flatulence caused by excessive intestinal gas in dogs and cats.
• Simeticone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles which allows the small bubbles to form into larger bubbles. The larger bubbles are more easily eliminated by burping or passing intestinal gas (flatus). It causes the collapse of foam bottles. Simeticone does not appear to decrease the production or formation of gas but works by improving gas elimination from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Simethicone is available over the counter, but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names for Simethicone

Simeticone is marketed under several different brand names and in combination with many drugs in both human and veterinary medicine.

• Human formulations: Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas; Anti-Gas Ultra Strength; Baby Gasz; Equilizer Gas Relief; Gas Aid Maximum Strength; Gas-X; Genasyme; Maalox Anti-Gas; Mylanta Gas; Mylicon; Mytab Gas; and Phazyme.
• Simeticone COMBINATION products may include:
  • Alamag Plus^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Aldroxicon^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Almacone^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Balanta^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Dixlanta^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Flatulex^® Tablets (containing Activated Charcoal, Simethicone)
  • Gas-X^® with Maalox ^® (containing Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone)
  • Gelusil^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Gen-Lanta (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Imodium^® Advanced (containing Loperamide, Simethicone)
  • Losospan^® Plus (containing Magaldrate, Simethicone)
  • Low Sodium Plus^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Lowsium Plus^® (containing Magaldrate, Simethicone)
  • Maalox^® Plus (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Magaant^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Magagel^® Plus (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Magaldrate Plus (containing Magaldrate, Simethicone)
  • Magalox^® Plus (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Maldroxal^® Plus (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Masanti^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Mygel^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Mylagel^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Mylagen^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Mylanta^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Ri-Gel II^® (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Ri-Mox^® Plus (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Riopan^® (containing Magaldrate, Simethicone)
  • Rolaids^® Multi-Symptom (containing Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Rolaids^® Plus Gas Relief (containing Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone)
  • Rulox^® Plus (containing Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone)
  • Titralac^® Plus (containing Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone)
• Veterinary formulations: Various

Uses of Simethicone for Dogs and Cats

• Simethicone is used to treat discomfort, pain, bloating, burping, and flatulence caused by excessive intestinal gas. When used to treat flatulence in dogs, it is most effective when combined with dietary modifications. Get more tips on how to treat flatulence in dogs here. It is sometimes used to break up gas production in dogs at risk of or in conjunction for treatment of “Bloat”, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.
• Simethicone may be given by veterinarians prior to abdominal radiographs (X-rays) or gastrointestinal endoscopy to optimize organ visualization.

Precautions and Side Effects

• While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Simethicone can cause side effects in some animals.
• Simethicone should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
• If your dog is showing signs of restlessness, large abdomen, and/or nonproductive vomiting, please see your vet as soon as possible. These symptoms could be caused by a potentially life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat).
• The most common side effects of Simethicone in dogs and cats are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy.
• The safety of Simethicone use in pets pregnant or lactating has not been established, however, it is considered safe for use by many veterinarians.
• Simethicone is commonly used with other medications including antibiotics and those for nausea.
• Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with Simethicone.

How Simethicone Is Supplied

• Simethicone is available in multiple forms and strengths that include but are not limited to 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

• Medication, even over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as Simethicone, should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. If you’re concerned about costs related to medication, pet insurance may be able to help. Click here to learn more.
• In dogs, the dose of Simethicone recommended for treatment of excessive gastrointestinal gas ranges from 25 mg total dose for small dogs and up to 200 mg total dose for large dogs every 6 to 12 hours as needed.
• In cats, the liquid formulations are most often used with doses that range from 0.3 mL to 0.5 mL every 8 to 12 hours as needed.
• The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.
• Can be stored at room temperature. Keep away from light and moisture.

Resources & References:

• 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