Simethicone?

[mrmac]

I wanted to get some simethicone, just to have on hand. Davey had a tummy upset about a week ago, and I thought it would be so good to have handy. How/where can I buy it, and what is the dosing for it and basic instructions and such?

[jerseygirl]

Baby Gas X infant drops (20 mg simethicone / ml)
 

Simethicone

(liquid, pediatric suspension or tablets) is essential for the relief of gas pain which usually accompanies ileus. For relief of acute gas pain, 1-2 cc (20mg/ml suspension) can be given as often as every hour for three doses, then 1 cc every three to eight hours. This substance has no known drug interactions, is not absorbed through the intestinal lining and acts only on a mechanical principle: it changes the surface tension of the frothy gas bubbles in the gut, joining them into larger, easier-to-pass bubbles. Simethicone is practically inert, and is safe to give, even as a precaution, as long as it is not given long term. (Note: liquid suspensions of simethicone are relatively expensive. Less expensive versions, such as 125mg gel capsules are equally effective. A bunny can safely receive the contents of half a capsule at the rate described above.) A flatulent bunny is a happy bunny!   Dana Krempels (http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html)

[Sarita]

You can buy it just about at any grocery or drug store.

[RabbitPam]

I think this is important info. for others to read, so I am moving your post to the Q&A section.

[KatnipCrzy]

I think Simethicone is a great med for rabbit owners to have on hand- it is non prescription- and it is not absorbed into the stomach or GI tract- but it works to help break up gas bubbles- so it works “mechanically”.  There are little to no side affects and to dose it when you are first noticing off symptoms is unlikely to harm the rabbit in any way.  I suppose if the rabbit had a complete blockage in the gut or stomach it would not be suggesting to give anything orally-   but most rabbits are treated medically with prescription meds to get the gut moving and surgery as a last resort- so I can’t imagine the small amount of Simethicone 1-3mls could pose that much of any issue.

As long as someone does not rely on Simethicone to nurse a bunny thru a bad bout of GI issues- I think it can be very helpful.  WIth what I went thru with Schroeder a few months ago- he would not have made it without the pain meds, force feedings, and fluids.

But I have given it to Cotton once ot twice when she seemed “off”- not interested in treats, not as active- and within hours she was normal.  Did the Simethicone help?  I am not sure, but  it is hard to see a bunny not begging for treats and anything that could help with a little to no chance of causing harm is worth it.

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