Bicarsim 80mg Tablets
It is used to ease too much gas in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
Drug Class
Antiflatulent
Pharmacologic Class
Silicone-based defoaming agent
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Simethicone is a medication that helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms of gas, such as bloating and pressure. It works by breaking up gas bubbles in your stomach and intestines, making it easier for your body to get rid of the gas.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid gas-producing foods (e.g., beans, broccoli, carbonated drinks, fatty foods).
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to reduce air swallowing.
- Avoid chewing gum or hard candy.
- Regular exercise can help promote healthy digestion.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
80 mg to 180 mg after meals and at bedtime, as needed
Dose Range:
80 - 180 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
gas relief:
80 mg to 180 mg after meals and at bedtime, not to exceed 500 mg in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
20 mg (0.3 mL of 66.7 mg/mL suspension) 4 times daily after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by physician. Max 240 mg/day.
Child:
40 mg to 80 mg 4 times daily after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by physician. Max 480 mg/day.
Adolescent:
80 mg to 180 mg after meals and at bedtime, as needed, not to exceed 500 mg in 24 hours
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed; not dialyzable
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Simethicone is an antifoaming agent that reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract. This causes the bubbles to coalesce, allowing for easier passage or absorption of gas.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Negligible (not absorbed)
Tmax:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
FoodEffect:
Administered after meals for optimal effect on post-prandial gas
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
Clearance:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
ExcretionRoute:
Fecal (unchanged)
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within minutes to hours
PeakEffect:
Not precisely defined due to local action
DurationOfAction:
Variable, depends on gas production and GI transit time
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
* Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor can provide medical advice about side effects and help you manage them.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
* Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor can provide medical advice about side effects and help you manage them.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Symptoms worsening or not improving after several days of use
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial to avoid potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial to avoid potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you must discuss this with your doctor. This conversation will help you understand the benefits and risks of taking this drug, both for you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Simethicone is generally considered safe even at high doses due to its lack of systemic absorption. Overdose symptoms are unlikely but could include mild gastrointestinal upset.
What to Do:
Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control). Since it is not absorbed, treatment is generally supportive if any symptoms occur.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Reduction in bloating
- Reduction in abdominal discomfort
- Reduction in flatulence
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Simethicone is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy as it is not absorbed systemically. Consult with a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Simethicone is considered compatible with breastfeeding as it is not absorbed systemically by the mother and therefore not excreted into breast milk.
Infant Risk:
L1 (Safest)
Pediatric Use
Generally safe for infants and children when used according to age-appropriate dosing instructions. Always use the liquid suspension for infants and young children.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are needed for geriatric patients. Generally well-tolerated.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Simethicone is a physical agent, not a drug that affects body chemistry, making it very safe with minimal side effects or interactions.
- It works best when taken after meals and at bedtime, as this is when gas production is often highest.
- It does not prevent gas formation but helps relieve existing gas bubbles.
- Available in various forms (tablets, chewables, liquid drops) to suit different patient preferences and age groups.
Alternative Therapies
- Alpha-galactosidase (e.g., Beano) for gas from complex carbohydrates
- Lactase enzyme (e.g., Lactaid) for lactose intolerance
- Probiotics for gut health and gas reduction
- Dietary modifications (avoiding gas-producing foods)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 30 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
OTC (Over-the-Counter), generally not covered by prescription plans unless specifically prescribed and covered as a medical expense.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.