Anti-flatulence drugs

introduction

Gases produced by bacteria are produced in the human intestine. While this process is completely natural, it can become symptomatic if there is excessive gas production. The escape of intestinal gases from the anus is called gas (flatulence). Flatulence is extremely uncomfortable both for the person affected and for those around him. Most patients therefore look for a drug that reduces gas and wind.

Active ingredient group

Medicines from the group of antiflatulent agents (Carminatives) provide a remedy for the undesired escape of intestinal gases. The active ingredients of carminatives include many Plant species (e.g. fennel, Caraway seed, etc.) also the active ingredients Simeticon and Mebeverine as well as the Activated carbon.

Simeticon is given orally (by mouth), usually as Chewable tablet. It dissolves gas bubbles that have formed in the chyme during digestion and promotes bowel movement so that free air is transported out of the intestine together with the chyme and does not remain in the digestive tract. Simeticon also relieves bloating and is used for diagnostic imaging, for example at Colonoscopies used. Here the active ingredient ensures that air is eliminated from the intestine and so no air shadows are created. The colonoscopy then gives better results. Preparations containing simeticon such as Simethicone-ratiopharm® are freely available in pharmacies. Side effects when taking simethicone are not yet known.

Another active ingredient used to treat gas that is Mebeverine, is called Retard capsule administered and In addition to flatulence, it also relieves abdominal cramps. It has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth Musculature within the intestinal wall. Mebeverine is used not only for flatulence, but also for Irritable bowel syndrome and at Paincaused by trapped air (Flatus incarceratus). Medication with Mebeverin require a prescription in Germany. Duspatal® or Mebeverin dura® are the common medicines that contain mebeverine.

Side effectswhich can occur when taking such preparations are nausea, dizziness, Drowsiness/fatigue or less often confusion and severe allergic reactions.

A third substance that is effective against flatulence is that Activated carbon (also medicinal charcoal). Activated charcoal binds substances (e.g. poisons) to itself and thus ensures that the substances do not enter the intestinal wall blood be included. Activated carbon is therefore primarily used acute poisoning or diarrheal diseases. The treatment of flatulence with activated charcoal is a "side effect". If you take higher doses of activated charcoal, it comes to Side effects like one Black discoloration of the stool, nausea or Vomit.

Lefax

Lefax® is a carminative with the active ingredient simeticon. The drug is sold in pharmacies in the form of chewable tablets and is used for gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, and as a defoaming substance.

In addition to the simethicone, Lefax® contains fennel oil, caraway seed oil and peppermint oil. All substances contribute to the relaxation of the intestinal muscles, reduce flatulence, cramps and bloating. Lefax® is also used after operations or during x-rays or during ultrasound to reduce gas formation. Imaging, diagnostic procedures (ultrasound, X-ray) should, if possible, not contain any gases in the intestine, as otherwise so-called gas shadows are created, which reduce the quality of the diagnostic measure.

Lefax® tablets are taken as single doses of 1-2 tablets, the maximum daily dose is 4-8 tablets. Children under 6 years of age should not be treated with Lefax® chewable tablets because of the risk of swallowing. Side effects that occur when taking the drug are not yet known, but hypersensitivity or allergic reactions are generally possible. Long-term use of Lefax® should be discussed with a doctor. It is also advisable to consult a doctor with regard to possible interactions with other drugs.

Home remedies for flatulence

Home remedies for flatulence are found in large numbers as herbal ingredients. Fennel, peppermint and caraway seeds are said to have antispasmodic and exfoliating effects. Teas or infusions with these plants relieve stomach cramps and flatulence through their essential oils, and sometimes even have a slightly antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial effect prevents the growth of gas-producing bacteria and thus also counteracts the development of flatulence.

Read more about bloated stomach after eating here

In addition, the plants promote intestinal movement (intestinal peristalsis) and blood flow to the digestive tract. You can buy fennel, caraway and peppermint teas in supermarkets, health food stores and pharmacies, but you can just as easily make the infusions yourself. For example, you take a handful of peppermint leaves, pour boiling water over them and let the infusion steep. The liquid is then poured through a sieve to remove the leaves. Drunk warm and in small sips, the peppermint infusion relaxes the attacked digestive system after a short time.

Alternative home remedies to medicinal herbs can usually be found in every household. Placing a hot water bottle or a cherry stone pillow relaxes the cramped abdominal muscles and thereby improves the pain. You can also massage your stomach yourself by stroking the abdominal wall with light pressure and circular movements. The bowel movement gets going again, stuck gases are transported further and the pain subsides.

In addition to home remedies, there are also various measures to prevent flatulence. From a nutritional point of view, you should avoid flatulent foods (cabbage, beans, lentils, etc.), while high-fiber foods such as cereals, nuts and salad should be at the top of the menu. In order to provide the intestines with enough fluid so that the chewed chyme can move easily through the digestive system, it is very important to drink enough. It is best to use still mineral water or unsweetened teas. Regular exercise plays an equally important role in preventing gas and wind. Regular exercise, walks or leisurely bike rides promote the activity of the intestines and prevent flatulence.

You can find further information under our topic: Home remedies for flatulence such as Home remedies for a bloated stomach

Medicines for gas and cramps

One suffers from Flatulence, painful ones often come Stomach cramps added. These are triggered by the cramped intestinal muscles and the tense abdominal wall. Most Medication against flatulence also contain an antispasmodic component. Especially the active ingredient Mebeverine relaxes the tight muscles of the digestive tract. But also other medicines, for example Iberogast® with the herbal active ingredients Angelica root, fennel, Caraway seed and peppermint or Buscopan® With Butylscopolaminium bromide have an antispasmodic (spasmolytic) effect. Iberogast® is administered in liquid form. For the treatment of flatulence and cramps in adults, 20 drops of Iberogast® are dissolved in a glass of water.
Buscopan® is taken as a tablet. Both drugs are available in pharmacies. If you don't have any medication on hand, help Hot water bottles or a Relaxation bath, relieve the stomach cramps.

Medicines for gas and diarrhea

Occur flatulence under a Diarrheal disease on, as with a Abdominal influenza may be the case, the treatment of the Diarrhea in the foreground. Most Diarrhea medication contain additional antispasmodic ingredients and thus act flatulence and Convulsions automatically counter.

Imodium® With Loperamide works against diarrhea by reducing the Inhibits the activity of the intestinal muscles and thus ensures that nutrients can be reabsorbed through the intestinal wall and the chyme can be thickened in the intestine so that the stool can return to a normal consistency. Imodium® is sold in a wide variety of dosage forms. For example, there are hard capsules that you can swallow or orodispersible tablets that you can use on the tongue melts. Side effects are taking medication containing loperamide Constipation (Constipations), which result from the inhibition of bowel activity.

Another drug that is used for gas and diarrhea is the Active coal. It is mainly used for bacterial diarrhea. At a Food poisoning or one infection With Salmonella the activated charcoal binds bacterial toxins in the intestine and leads to Elimination of these toxins in the stool. The trigger for the diarrheal illness is thereby eliminated. Active charcoal is called in tablet form Carbon Kompretten® taken, but can also be dissolved in water as a powder and then drunk.

In addition to drug treatment, the most important factor in diarrhea with flatulence is sufficient intake of liquid to stabilize the water and electrolyte balance.

Drugs for flatulence in pregnancy

Flatulence in the pregnancy torment many women.Especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, the increased formation of the Progesterone hormone the Digestion slows down. Through increased Air accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract flatulence becomes symptomatic.

In addition to the one that works against flatulence Simeticon, this in Lefax® is included, that helps too Dimeticon in sab simplex®, Bloating and Combat gas build-up in the digestive tract. Sab simplex® works in a similar way to the active ingredient simeticon; in addition to treating acute flatulence, it is also used in diagnostic imaging to reduce the formation of gas shadows.

As a chewable tablet or drops you can sab simplex® without prescription buy in pharmacies. The tablets must be chewed thoroughly when ingested to achieve the best effect. More than three days pregnant women should take the medication without consulting your doctor Indeed do not consume.

Drugs for flatulence in babies / infants

If babies suffer from flatulence, this is not only uncomfortable for the little ones, but also for the parents. The children are tearful, scream a lot and sleep little. In order to improve the baby's symptoms, one can first try to counteract the gas with cherry stone pillows or abdominal massages. If these measures do not bring any improvement, you can also use medication to combat flatulence in babies or infants.

Defoaming drugs such as Sab simpelx® are recommended. In babies, the drug is given as drops that are either added to the bottle or, in the case of nursing infants, given with a spoon. Lefax® can also be given to babies before meals.

Alternatively, many mothers resort to homeopathic remedies if their child suffers from flatulence. A spoonful of unsweetened fennel or caraway tea before breastfeeding or feeding can help prevent air from accumulating in the intestines. If the child is breastfed, the mother can also drink a few cups of fennel or caraway tea throughout the day.

However, the most important thing about gas in children is physical proximity to parents. Abdominal massages or gentle rocking while being carried around will calm babies down and help relieve the pain of flatulence.

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