Minicol
Minicol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Minicol is used as an antiflatulent to relieve symptoms commonly referred to gas including upper GI bloating, pressure, fullness or stuffed feeling. The clinical use of Simeticone is based on its antifoaming properties. Its antifoaming action relieves flatulence by dispersing and preventing the formation of mucous surrounded gas pockets in the GI tract. Simeticone acts in the stomach and intestines to change the surface tension of gas bubbles, enabling them to coalesce; thus gas is freed and eliminated more easily by belching or passing flatus. Simeticone aids in the elimination of gas from the GI tract and can be used to reduce postoperative gas pains. Simeticone can also be used prior to gastroscopy to enhance visualization and prior to radiography of the intestine to reduce gas shadows.
Minicol decreases the surface tension of gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating their expulsion. It has a short duration of action as it is generally given as needed, and a wide therapeutic index as it is not systemically absorbed.
| Trade Name | Minicol |
| Availability | Rx and/or OTC |
| Generic | Simethicone |
| Simethicone Other Names | Simeticona, Simeticone, Siméticone, Simeticonum |
| Related Drugs | diazepam, Valium, hyoscyamine, Mylanta, Levsin, Activated Charcoal, vasopressin, Gas-X, aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone |
| Weight | 40mg/5ml, 40mg/ml |
| Type | Suspension, Drops |
| Formula | C6H18O4Si3 |
| Weight | Average: 238.461 Monoisotopic: 238.051288665 |
| Protein binding | Simethicone is not systemically absorbed and so these data are not readily available. |
| Groups | Approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Anti-dyspeptic/Carminatives |
| Manufacturer | Libra Pharmaceuticals (pvt) Ltd |
| Available Country | Pakistan |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Flatulence, abdominal distention, fullness, gas and windy colic: Minicol is an excellent and effective antiflatulent. It is used for relief of the painful symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract. Such gas is frequently caused by excessive swallowing of air or by eating foods that disagree. Minicol drop is especially used in infants, acts in the stomach and intestines. Thus Minicol enables freeing and eliminating the gas more easily by belching or passing flatus.
Large bowel preparation: Addition of Minicol to a polyethylene glycol bowel preparation produces symptomatic improvement prior to investigation in the management of accidental ingestion of foaming detergents.
Treatment of poisoning: Minicol has an anecdotal use as an antifoaming agent in the management of accidental ingestion of foaming detergents.
Minicol is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Abdominal Cramping, Abdominal Pain, Abdominal distension, Acid Reflux, Bloating, Colic, Diarrhoea, Distention, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastric Ulcer, Gastritis, Heartburn, Hiatus Hernia, Hyperacidity, Pain, Pancreatic Insufficiency, Peptic Esophagitis, Peptic Ulcer, Stomach ache, Gastrointestinal cramps, Gastrointestinal cramps caused by Gas, Gastrointestinal spasms, Stomach cramps, Antacid therapy, Bowel preparation therapy
How Minicol works
Minicol is a surfactant that decreases the surface tension of gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, more easily allowing gas to exit the body.
Dosage
Minicol dosage
Take after meals and at bedtime. Can be given with infant’s feeds. Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Children less than 2 years of age: 20 mg (0.3 ml Minicol Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily up to 240 mg/day (3.6 ml Minicol Paediatric Drops).
- Children 2-12 years of age: 40 mg (0.6 ml Minicol Paediatric Drops) 4 times daily.
- Adults: 40-125 mg or 1-3 Minicol chewable tablets; 4 times daily, up to 500 mg/day (12 Minicol chewable tablets).
Side Effects
Minicol is physiologically inert and no adverse effect has been noted after oral ingestion.
Toxicity
Data regarding overdoses with simethicone are rare due to the fact that it is not systemically absorbed.. In the case of an overdose stop the drug and initiate symptomatic and supportive care.
Precaution
Do not exceed 12 doses per day except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
Interaction
There is no evidence that Minicol modifies the effect of other drugs. The defoaming effect of Minicol is reduced by antacids such as Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate, which absorb the Silicone.
Food Interaction
- Take with or without food. Recommendations vary from product to product - consult individual product monographs for additional information.
Volume of Distribution
Minicol is not systemically absorbed and so these data are not readily available.
Elimination Route
Minicol is not systemically absorbed and so these data are not readily available.
Half Life
Minicol is not systemically absorbed and so these data are not readily available.
Clearance
Minicol is not systemically absorbed and so these data are not readily available.
Elimination Route
Minicol is eliminated in the feces.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
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.
Storage Condition
Should be stored in cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Minicol
FAQ
What is Minicol used for?
Minicol used to treat the symptoms of gas such as uncomfortable or painful pressure, fullness, and bloating. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How safe is Minicol?
Minicol is safe and effective when used according to label directions. You should never take more medicine or for a longer period of time than what the label says.
How does Minicol work?
Minicol is works by bringing together the small gas bubbles in your gut to form bigger bubbles, allowing trapped air to pass through your body more easily.
What are the common side effects of Minicol?
The common side effects of Minicol are include: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or headache. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor.
Is Minicol safe during pregnancy?
Minicol is considered low risk during pregnancy.
Is Minicol safe during breastfeeding?
Although no data are available on the use of Minicol during breastfeeding, it is known that Minicol is not absorbed orally. Therefore, it cannot be transferred to breastmilk. It is also used safely in breastfed infants.
Can I drink alcohol with Minicol?
Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depressionor impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.
Can I drive after taking Minicol?
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Minicol affects you. Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
What is the best time to take Minicol?
Minicol works best if you take it after meals and at bedtime. You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
How long does it take for Minicol to work?
Minicol usually starts to work within 30 minutes. It works by bringing together the small gas bubbles in your gut to form bigger bubbles, allowing trapped air to pass through your body more easily.
Can I drink water after taking Minicol?
Drink a full glass of water after taking this medicine. Do not take it more often than directed.
Can I eat after taking Minicol?
Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor. Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
Who should not take Minicol?
You should not use Minicol if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Minicol if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of serious illness.
How does Minicol relieve gas?
Minicol reduces the surface tension of the formed gas bubbles, which prevents bubble formation. It also helps to combine lots of small bubbles into larger bubbles, which can be expelled more easily.
Is it safe to take Minicol every day?
Minicol usual maximum amount for adults is 500 milligrams daily. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
What happen If I missed Minicol?
Minicol is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What happen if I overdose of Minicol?
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
