How Fast Does Gas-X Work?

Gas and bloating can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but relief can be possible with Gas-X, a popular over-the-counter remedy that uses simethicone to quickly break up gas bubbles and ease pressure, fullness, and bloating, helping you feel better fast. In this article, we’ll explore how Gas-X works, how to use it safely, and tips for achieving the best results.

What Is Gas-X (Simethicone)?

Simethicone is the active ingredient in Gas-X and other over-the-counter gas relief products, such as Flatulex, Gelusil, Mylanta, Rolaids Plus Gas Relief, and others. It is an anti-foaming agent that acts locally in the digestive tract to break up gas bubbles.

How Does Simethicone Work?

Simethicone (Gas-X) reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract. It helps to break up gas bubbles and prevent them from combining and forming gas pockets, making it easier for the body to expel trapped gas.

In other words, simethicone allows you to pass gas naturally in the form of burps and farts, relieving discomfort from pressure, fullness, and bloating caused by trapped gas. However, simethicone does not prevent excess gas from forming in the digestive tract.

Since simethicone products like Gas-X work in the stomach and intestines and are not absorbed into the bloodstream, they are less likely to cause adverse effects, and serious side effects are rare.

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How Long Does Gas-X Take To Work?

Most people get relief from symptoms within 15 to 30 minutes of taking Gas-X. However, everyone is different, and the speed of gas relief can vary.

The following factors can affect how quickly Gas-X works to relieve gas:

Dose: Gas-X products that contain higher doses of simethicone (for example, Gas-X Maximum Strength Softgels with 250 mg of simethicone) can provide more effective and faster relief from gas discomfort.
Dosage Form: Many people report that Gas-X chewable tablets work faster than the softgels. This may be because the chewable tablets allow the active ingredient (simethicone) to be released more rapidly.
Timing: Gas-X works best if you take it at the first sign of discomfort. Doctors recommend taking it as needed after meals and at bedtime.

How Do You Take Gas-X?

Simethicone (Gas-X) works best if you take it at the first sign of gas discomfort, typically after meals and at bedtime.

Gas-X is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Gas-X Extra Strength Chewables (simethicone 125 mg)
Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels (simethicone 125 mg)
Gas-X Ultra Strength Softgels (simethicone 180 mg)
Gas-X Maximum Strength Softgels (simethicone 250 mg)
Gas-X Total Relief Chews (simethicone 250 mg and calcium carbonate 750 mg for gas pain and heartburn relief)

The recommended dose of Gas-X in adults and children is as follows:

Adults: 40 to 125 mg per dose (maximum daily dose 500 mg).
Children 2 to 12 years: 40 mg per dose (maximum daily dose 480 mg).
Children under 2 years: 20 mg per dose (maximum daily dose 240 mg).

Gas-X is for relief from occasional gas pain. Do not use it daily for ongoing or severe digestive issues like gas and bloating.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you have severe or persistent symptoms. You could have an underlying medical condition that needs to be properly diagnosed and treated.

Who Shouldn’t Take Simethicone?

Gas-X (simethicone) is generally safe for use by adults and children, including infants with colic.

It can be safely used by a person who is pregnant or nursing an infant with breast milk, but it’s best to check with a doctor.

If you have underlying health conditions or take medications (prescribed medicines, OTC or supplement products, herbal products), check with your doctor or pharmacist about precautions.

Keep in mind that simethicone addresses the symptom of gas, but not the underlying cause. Therefore, it’s important to have your doctor evaluate you if you experience persistent or severe symptoms.

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Gas-X works locally in the stomach and intestines and is not absorbed into the body. It is excreted unchanged in the feces (stool). As a result, this medicine carries a very low risk of serious side effects and interactions with other medications.

Tips To Get The Most From Simethicone Products

In addition to taking Gas-X (simethicone), changes in diet may provide gas relief. You should limit or avoid the following foods and drinks that can cause you to make more gas:

Whole grains (bran, whole wheat, oats, wheat germ, bagels, pretzels)
Legumes (beans, peas, soybeans)
Fruits (apples, apricots, bananas, pears, peaches, raisins, and prunes)
Vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, corn, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, leeks, kohlrabi, onions, potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga, radishes, turnips)
Carbonated beverages and beer
Artificial sweeteners
Chewing gum

Lifestyle changes, such as eating slowly and avoiding straws, can reduce the risk of swallowing air.

FAQs and Key Takeaways

Which Gas-X Product Is Right For Me?

In addition to simethicone, some Gas-X products contain different ingredients (such as calcium carbonate for heartburn relief).

Other simethicone products may contain ingredients such as alpha galactosidase, an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates and makes them easier to digest.

Choosing the treatment that best matches your symptoms can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively you get relief from gas discomfort.

How Do You Know If Simethicone Is Working?

You can tell simethicone is working if you get relief from discomfort due to fullness, pressure, and bloating after taking it.

Does Simethicone Slow Gastric Emptying?

Simethicone does not slow gastric (stomach) emptying. However, some people develop constipation on this medicine because of delayed intestinal transit. Stop taking simethicone and consult a healthcare professional if you develop constipation.