There are a variety of the over the counter medications that can be used to relieve you of bloating. These medications can be given across the counter upon request or on prescription by a doctor. Below is a discussion on some of the top best anti bloat pills
Simethicone
This is an anti-foaming agent that that works to reduce the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby making them to combine into larger bubbles in the stomach that can be passed more easily. It is good to know that it does not reduce or prevent the formation of gas in the digestive tract; rather, it increases the rate at which it exits the body.
The dose that is recommended for adult dosages of Simethicone to relieve gas range from 40 milligrams (mg) to 125 mg, four times a day. The medication should be taken after meals and at bedtime. You should not take more than six Simethicone tablets or eight capsules in one day unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The use of smaller doses of this medication has not been seen to show any side effects. However, you should seek medical attention right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
There are a number of brands that contain this compound. They include Gas-x, Gelusil, Mylanta and Mylicon). They help to break up the bubbles in the gas. In as much as they are widely used, they have not shown to be very effective.[1]
Lactaid and or Beana
It relieves you of constipation and gas accumulation. It also likely to relieve lactose intolerance. It contains enzymes that help to digest the hard to break down foods.
This is an enzyme based dietary supplement which is commonly used to relieve from bloating and hence improving the digestion. Its ingredients include Alpha-galactosidase enzyme (from Aspergillus niger, the same as Beano) 300 GALU/dose, rice flour, gelatin (capsule), silica.
The product relieving pressure, bloating, and gas in the digestive tract. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It works by breaking up gas bubbles, which makes gas easier to eliminate.
the side effects of this component are very rare. However, it should not be used in diabetics, pregnant women and children. Despite the above claim, mild side effects are bound to occur and if they do, then immediate medical attention should be sought. They may include:
- Loose Stool (motions)
- Dark or Black Stool
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Abdominal Cramps and Pain
- Anal Itching
- Excessive Belching
- Excessive Flatulence[2]
Tums
They basically constitute calcium carbonate tablets. The medication is used to treat symptoms of extra gas such as bloating and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut.
Calcium carbonate is an antacid that works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach. It might also contain Simethicone which works by breaking up gas bubbles in the gut. This medication is not meant for use in children.
For adult dose, take 2 to 4 tabs as the symptoms occur. You should not exceed a maximum of 15 tabs/ day for two weeks.
The medication does not only has direct effect on bloating, but also an effect on the acid which is also a contributor to the bloating.
The mechanism in which it works takes place in second. It begins the buffering and neutralizing gastric acid in the esophagus where the pain of heartburn starts. And it keeps working as it dissolves, neutralizing gastric acid in the stomach as well.
There are no serious side effects that come with the use of Tums. However, there are unique cases where sever effects occur. When they occur, ensure you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The following effects are likely in severe cases:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching,
- Difficulty in breathing & tightness in the chest
- Swelling in the mouth, face, lips and the tongue[3]
Mira LAX
This brand contains or it is always known as polyethylene glycol-3350. It relieves you of the associated constipation. It works because it is a mild laxative that balances the water in the digestive system. It soften stool and then increases the frequency of the bowel movements by retaining water in the stool.
Mira LAX comes and is mostly packaged as a powder, which you dissolve in liquid and drink. Alternatively, you can mix Mira LAX with water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea, and the liquid can be cold, hot, or room temperature.
The Mira LAX bottle cap is marked to hold 17 grams of the laxative when filled to the indicated line. Adults and teenagers 17 and older can use the bottle cap to measure the powder.
The use of this medication does not come with a lot of side effects. If you get some, then they are very minimal. They may include: cramps, more frequent bowel movements, nausea, stomach pain and even more bloating.
There other times when you get very severe side effects which should prompt you to report immediately. They include: severe allergic reactions like rashes, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness of the chest, swelling in the, mouth, diarrhea and persistent nausea.
What is more is that according to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2013, it was reported that polyethylene glycol 3350 plus electrolytes was an effective treatment for constipation for adults with a particular type of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation[4]
Lactase Supplements
These supplements are manufactured and made with enzymes that digest lactose. This come in handy in cases where you exhibit lactose intolerance.
The supplements mostly in form of pills can help to reduce the symptoms that are associated with lactose intolerance, among them being bloating.
They help because in this case, the body is unable to produce lactases that help in breaking down the ingested lactose.
The dosage made for both adults and children is as follows: You should take 9000Units with dairy food, then, adjust based on abatement of symptoms; the usual maximum is 18000Units/dose
The only real side effect that is known about is having an allergic reaction, this is very rare but it can happen. An allergic reaction maybe something like a rash or hives.
An allergic reaction could be something more serious such as: swelling of the face, or mouth or tongue, tightening in the chest, and trouble breathing.
Lactaid Enzymes
These are also very instrumental in episodes of lactose intolerance. They help to boost the lactase enzyme deficiency in these scenarios. They are the new forms of the lactase supplements discussed above. They however have some side effects though minimal.[5]
The dosage in both adults and children involves addition of 5–15 drops to quart of milk; hydrolyzes 70%–99% of lactose at refrigerator temperature in 24 hours. The reconstituted formula is then ready for consumption.[6]
Activated charcoal
It is available in liquid, powder and even tablet form for the treatment of bloating. The liquid and powder forms are the ones that are commonly used. It has the intrinsic ability to absorb all the most substances in the gut.
With this ability therefore, it can soak up the less harmful but uncomfortable acids and gases that accumulate in your gut. It can hence absorb the gas and in the long run deflate your stomach. For bloating, it is recommended that you take two to three tablets three times a day.[7]
Activated charcoal is safe for most adults when used short-term. Side effects of activated charcoal include constipation and black stools. More serious, but rare, side effects are a slowing or blockage of the intestinal tract, regurgitation into the lungs, and dehydration.[8]
Diurex
It contains an effective, yet gentle diuretic agent that helps promptly increase the outflow of temporary excess body water, relieve monthly water weight gain, puffiness, bloat, swelling and pressure-related cramps.[9]
The use of this medication comes with both rare and severe side effects. They can be grouped as follows:
The severe cases are:
- A rupture in the wall of the stomach or intestine
- Anemia
- Bleeding of the stomach or intestines
- Bronchospasm
- Extra heartbeat
- Giant hives
- Hemolytic anemia
- Hives
- Inflammation of skin caused by an allergy
- Itching
- Life threatening allergic reaction
- Rash
- Redness of skin
- Stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
The less severe cases are:
- Anxious
- Blind spot in the eye
- Fast heartbeat
- Feel like throwing up
- Feeling restless
- Increased feeling of the skin
- Involuntary quivering
- Ringing in the ears
- Throwing up[10]
All and above, you should be cautious and watch out for any change in your body or unusual happening. After observing that, report any extreme cases to an examining medical personnel for immediate and fast action.
Delays could cost you as this likely leads to development of complications whose effects could be detrimental. Withdrawal or termination of a dose could be necessary at times.
Recommended reading
Sources & References
[1] http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/741932_3
[2] http://www.drugsdb.com/sup/beano/beano-side-effects/#ixzz4cEzucbJu
[3] https://www.drugs.com/cdi/tums-chewable-tablets.html
[4] http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/miralax
[5] https://scimera.com/side-effects-from-lactase-enzyme-pills/
[6] http://www.empr.com/lactaid-drops/drug/1506/
[7] http://www.livestrong.com/article/491915-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-activated-charcoal-for-humans/
[8] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-269-activated%20charcoal.aspx?activeingredientid=269
[9] http://www.alva-amco.com/products/diurex/water-pills
[10] http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-163539/diurex-oral/details/list-sideeffects
