Flacol

Indications

Flacol is highly effective in managing a diverse array of symptoms related to excess gas in the digestive tract, including flatulence, abdominal distention, fullness, and windy colic. It provides relief from the painful symptoms caused by excessive gas, which can result from factors such as air swallowing or consumption of disagreeable foods. Flacol drops, particularly beneficial for infants, act directly in the stomach and intestines to facilitate the release and elimination of gas through belching or passing flatus.

Flacol also aids in large bowel preparation when added to polyethylene glycol solutions, offering symptomatic relief before medical investigations, especially in cases of accidental ingestion of foaming detergents. Additionally, it finds anecdotal use in managing poisoning incidents involving foaming detergent ingestion.

Pharmacology

Simethicone, the active ingredient in Flacol, functions as an antiflatulent by targeting symptoms associated with gas accumulation in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including bloating, pressure, and fullness. Its antifoaming properties alleviate flatulence by dispersing and preventing the formation of gas pockets surrounded by mucus in the GI tract.

Operating within the stomach and intestines, simethicone alters the surface tension of gas bubbles, promoting their coalescence and facilitating their elimination via belching or passing flatus. Simethicone aids in reducing postoperative gas pains, enhances visualization during gastroscopy, and diminishes gas shadows prior to intestinal radiography.

Dosage & Administration

Flacol is recommended to be taken after meals and at bedtime and can be administered with infant feeds. Dosage varies based on age:

Children less than 2 years: 20 mg (0.3 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops) four times daily, up to 240 mg/day (3.6 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops). Children 2-12 years: 40 mg (0.6 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops) four times daily. Adults: 40-125 mg (0.6 ml-1.9 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops) four times daily, up to 500 mg/day (7.5 ml Simethicone Pediatric Drops), or 1-3 Simethicone chewable tablets four times daily, up to 500 mg/day (12 Simethicone chewable tablets).

Interaction

Flacol does not appear to alter the effects of other drugs. However, its defoaming action may be reduced by antacids such as Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate, which absorb the silicone.

Side Effects

Flacol is considered physiologically inert, with no reported adverse effects following oral ingestion.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Limited data are available regarding the use of Flacol in pregnant women. However, there are no indications of harmful effects. Regarding lactating mothers, excretion of simethicone in breast milk is unlikely.

Precautions & Warnings

It is advised not to exceed 12 doses per day unless under the guidance of a physician.

Therapeutic Class

Flacol belongs to the therapeutic class of anti-dyspeptic and carminative medications.

Storage Conditions

Store Flacol in a cool, dry place, shielded from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.