Increased gas formation is found in many people. Some experience temporary symptoms, while others have a permanent or long-term problem. But in that, and in another case, one can not do without the use of special drugs that reduce gas formation and flatulence.
Espumisan medication belongs to the group of carminative drugs. The instruction “Espumisan” characterizes it as a means aimed at reducing gas formation and foam in the digestive tract.
Indications for use
Despite the fact that the drug “Espumisan” is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use. The following symptoms and diseases can be an indication for the appointment of this remedy:
- flatulence (bloating, which occurs for a variety of reasons, for example, due to the use of food that causes increased gas formation, or in the postoperative period, while taking antibiotics, etc.);
- preoperative or diagnostic studies in which gas bubbles interfere with obtaining an accurate picture and make diagnosis difficult;
- aerophagy (swallowing excess air and burping);
- dyspepsia (the common name for a number of problems causing intestinal dysfunction, putrefacts, fermentation, belching, heartburn, nausea, heaviness in the stomach);
- Remkheld’s syndrome (a complex of cardiovascular changes arising from raising the diaphragm with a full stomach);
- poisoning with detergents (Espumisan is an effective antifoam);
- the need to obtain a double contrast image with endoscopy (in this case, the drug in the form of a suspension is an additive to the contrast medium).
Operating principle
The preparation "Espumisan" differs from natural carminative agents, which include decoctions of fennel, dill and parsley. Folk remedies act by reducing spasm in the muscles of the intestine, as a result of which its activity increases, and the gases are removed naturally.
The principle of action of the Espumisan drug is different. It, like natural remedies, slightly reduces spasm in the intestine, but at the same time it acts as an antifoam. That is, the drug destroys the shell of the gas bubbles, as a result of which they merge and are partially absorbed, and partially are brought out naturally. Another tool forms a film on the walls of the intestine, which is the prevention of chronic colitis.
The drug "Espumisan" is absolutely non-toxic and is excreted unchanged from the body.
Dosage forms of the drug "Espumisan"
The medication is available in two forms: capsules and an emulsion for internal use. One capsule contains 40 mg of the main drug component - simethicone. As auxiliary substances, the composition includes methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, glycerin and two dyes - E104 and E110. Soft yellow capsules are packed in blisters of 25 pcs., Blisters are put in a cardboard box - 1, 2 or 4 pcs.
Emulsion (syrup) "Espumisan" contains 40 mg of simethicone in every 5 ml. The composition of the drug includes a number of excipients, including a banana flavor, as this dosage form is intended for children. The drug is sold in dark glass bottles in a cardboard box. The box is designed for one bottle with 100 ml of emulsion. The syrup looks like a colorless or almost colorless (slightly white) turbid liquid.
The drug "Espumisan": instructions for use (tablets)
The drug must be taken orally, during or immediately after a meal. If necessary, you can take the drug at night. Tablets can be prescribed from the age of six, this is due to the difficulty in swallowing. The instruction "Espumisan" contains information on the dosages of the drug:
- 2 capsules for adults;
- 1-2 for children from 6 to 14 years.
In most cases, a single use of the drug is enough to get rid of bloating and flatulence. However, if necessary, tablets can be used for a long time, the frequency of administration is 3-5 times a day.
The drug "Espumisan" (syrup): instructions for use
The preparation in the form of an emulsion is used much more widely. It is prescribed for adults (80 mg or 2 teaspoons at a time), children (1-2 scoops) and infants (1 teaspoon) for flatulence, bloating, colic, and before radiography and ultrasound. Children from the first year of life and up to 6 years of age, the drug is prescribed only in the form of an emulsion.
For studies where it is necessary to obtain a double contrast image, 20-40 ml of Espumisan is added to 1 liter of contrast. In cases of poisoning with detergents, the drug is administered orally by 50-100 ml to an adult and 10-50 ml to a child. The exact dosage depends on the severity of the poisoning.
The emulsion must be taken after or directly during a meal. Infants can receive the drug immediately with food: from a bottle with a mixture or with a drink.
Contraindications
The instruction of "Espumisan" informs that this drug is absolutely safe, with the exception of cases of individual intolerance to the components of the product, the appearance of an allergic reaction of the body and intestinal obstruction.
Cases of drug overdose are not recorded. The use of this medication in combination with other drugs is not recommended. But not because such a combination can negatively affect the human body. It’s just that the drug blocks the absorption of other drugs, and their use is ineffective. After taking the drug "Espumisan" should be at least 3-4 hours before taking other drugs.
The drug is not recommended to be taken simultaneously with drugs that reduce acidity in the stomach (Almagel, Maalox, Gastal, etc.).
The use of the drug "Espumisan" during pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women suffer from excessive gas formation. Even if such problems did not occur previously, increased flatulence and bloating may appear due to changes in the body (changes in diet, displacement of internal organs due to an increase in the uterus, etc.). Therefore, during pregnancy, there is a need to take a drug that is effective, but safely eliminates increased gas formation. And as such a drug, the drug Espumisan may well act. It is not absorbed by the digestive tract and is completely excreted by the body unchanged. However, it must be borne in mind that the drug can cause allergic reactions, so you must carefully read the composition. Pregnant women are often prescribed Espumisan in the form of an emulsion. This is due to the fact that the capsules contain dyes, which for some people are strong allergens. Before using the product, you need to consult a doctor who is observing pregnancy.
Can Espumisan be given to newborns?
In newborns, intestinal discomfort, bloating and colic are often observed. The child begins to cry, scream, jerk legs. The appearance of these problems is connected with the fact that the baby’s stomach has just begun to function and is temporarily poorly managing its functions. As a help to the newborn with bloating and colic, doctors recommend doing a light massage of the umbilical region, as well as laying the baby on her stomach.
If these methods do not work, then the doctor may prescribe the drug Espumisan, which gently, safely and effectively relieves the child from unpleasant sensations.
However, it must be remembered that this drug is a medicine, so you should not give it to your child without consulting a doctor or on your own as a prophylactic for a long period.
The use of the drug "Espumisan" in diagnostic studies
During radiography, endoscopy and ultrasound of the abdominal organs, gas bubbles disrupt the visibility of the study area, which leads to difficulty in making a diagnosis.
When using the “Espumisan” preparation, the result during the studies is more reliable, since the emulsion provides continuous spreading of the contrast fluid along the gastrointestinal mucosa without gaps caused by excessive gas formation.
The instruction “Espumisan” contains detailed information on the dosage of the drug for adults and children in preoperative and diagnostic studies, but in any case, you need to know the opinion of the doctor. Depending on a number of factors, it can increase or decrease the dosage or completely abandon its appointment to the patient.
The drug "Espumisan" is one of the most effective drugs aimed at removing the phenomena of flatulence. This is evidenced not only by numerous positive reviews of patients, but also by the testimony of competent specialists.