Depending on the cause of the gas (if known), the following products may alleviate symptoms such as flatulence and bloating:
Simethicone (eg, Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Minis) works by merging small gas bubbles in the gut into larger ones, making it easier for them to move through the body. Usually takes effect within 30 minutes. Considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, with minimal side effects.
Alpha-galactosidase (eg, Beano, BeanAssist): An enzyme that aids in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and sugars. Minimizes gas by restricting fermentation. Generally well-tolerated, though effectiveness can vary, and it may not alleviate gas in every case.
Lactase supplements (eg, Lactaid, Digest Dairy Plus): Enzyme supplement that aids in the digestion of lactose, the sugar in dairy products. Beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance, helping reduce gas by facilitating the processing of dairy products. Consult your doctor before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Activated charcoal (eg, Actidose-Aqua, CharcoCaps) is made by heating regular charcoal, making it more porous. The extra spaces in the charcoal grab onto gas molecules, reducing symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Some research suggests that combining activated charcoal with simethicone works even better to reduce gas and bloating. Charcoal can stain the mouth and clothing and may interfere with medication absorption, so ask your pharmacist or doctor about when to take it.
Drugs used to treat Gas
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Gas. Their efficacy
may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical,
cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Gas.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
