Flatulex

Generic name: charcoal [ CHAR-kole/sye-METH-i-kone ]
Brand name: Examples include Bicarsim and Bicarsim Forte

Flatulex is used for:

Relieving pressure, bloating, and gas in the digestive tract. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Flatulex is an antiflatulent and adsorbent combination. It works by breaking up gas bubbles, which makes the gas easier to eliminate.

Do NOT use Flatulex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Flatulex

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Flatulex:

Some medical conditions may interact with Flatulex. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Flatulex. However, no specific interactions with Flatulex are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Flatulex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Flatulex:

Use Flatulex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Flatulex as needed after meals and at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Flatulex may interfere with the absorption of many other medicines. Talk to your doctor about taking Flatulex 2 hours before or after taking any other medicine.
• If you miss a dose of Flatulex and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Flatulex.

Important safety information:

• Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• If your condition persists, contact your doctor.
• Flatulex may cause your stools to turn black.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Flatulex, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Flatulex during pregnancy. It is unknown if Flatulex is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Flatulex, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Flatulex:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; temporary darkening of the stool; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Flatulex:

Store Flatulex at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Avoid temperatures above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Keep Flatulex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Flatulex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Flatulex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Flatulex or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Flatulex. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Flatulex. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Flatulex.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer