
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Antiflatulent
Introduction
An antiflatulent agent is a drug used for the alleviation or prevention of excessive intestinal gas, i.e. flatulence.
Mechanisms of Action
Mechanisms of Action
For the alleviation of flatulence, an antifoaming agent such as simethicone may be taken orally. This agent will coalesce the smaller gas bubbles into larger bubbles, thereby easing the release of gas within the gastrointestinal tract via burping or flatulence.
For the prevention of flatulence, an enzyme-based dietary supplement may be helpful. Substances indigestible by humans are usually present in foods associated with flatulence. When these substances reach the large intestine intact, they may be fermented by intestinal bacteria, thereby causing gas production. These enzyme-based dietary supplements work by breaking down these indigestible substances and preventing these substances from reaching the large intestine intact. These supplements are usually taken with foods associated with flatulence. It is important to take the appropriate enzyme with the appropriate food. When consuming beans and other vegetables high in complex carbohydrates, it may be helpful to take a product that contains alpha-galactosidase, such as Beano. Additionally, for individuals with lactose intolerance, taking a lactase-containing product with lactose-containing foodstuffs may reduce flatulence.
Members
Members
Antifoaming Agents
Enzyme-based Dietary Supplements
Herbal Antiflatulents
- Epazote is claimed to have antiflatulent properties, and is used in traditional Mexican cuisine for this reason.
