Dimethicone is a silicon-based compound used to relieve gas, protect the skin, and eliminate parasites such as lice. It works by reducing the surface tension of air bubbles in the intestines and forming a protective film over the skin.
It is found in medications that help relieve heartburn, bloating, and digestive discomfort, either alone or combined with other ingredients such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or dicyclomine. Dimethicone is also used in creams and lotions to prevent skin irritation caused by moisture.
Although dimethicone is considered safe and well tolerated, its use should always be guided by a healthcare professional. In the U.S., it is available under brand names such as Cavilon, Mederma, Sween 24, and various over-the-counter skin-protectant lotions and creams.
Indications for use
Dimethicone is used to:
-
Relieve intestinal gas and abdominal bloating
-
Reduce stomach acidity when combined with antacids
-
Protect the skin from moisture and irritation
-
Treat lice or scabies infestations
-
Reduce the feeling of fullness or discomfort caused by trapped air in the intestines
It is minimally absorbed by the body and acts locally. In the digestive system, dimethicone helps release trapped air, while on the skin it forms a barrier that prevents friction and retains moisture.
Aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide with dimethicone
The combination of dimethicone with aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide is used to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach heaviness. These antacids help neutralize stomach acid, while dimethicone reduces gas, providing quick relief from discomfort.
This combination is useful for mild cases of dyspepsia or acid reflux and is generally taken after meals or before bedtime. Studies show that it is well tolerated and rarely causes side effects when used occasionally.
Dicyclomine with dimethicone
Dicyclomine combined with dimethicone is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders that cause pain and abdominal distension. Dicyclomine helps relax intestinal muscles, while dimethicone helps eliminate gas.
Clinical studies show that this combination reduces pain and bloating more effectively than dicyclomine alone. It is considered a safe option for people who experience frequent intestinal discomfort.
Dosage and how to take it
Dimethicone is available in drops, suspension, tablets, or gel, depending on the person’s age and treatment needs. Doses should always be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist.
1. Dimethicone drops
-
Adults: Usually 40 to 125 mg per day, divided after meals and before bedtime
-
Children: 10 to 40 mg daily, depending on age and weight, as prescribed by a pediatrician
2. Dimethicone suspension
The oral suspension is used to relieve gas and acidity. It is generally taken three to four times a day, after main meals.
3. Dimethicone tablets
For children 12 years and older and adults, tablets usually contain between 40 and 125 mg. They should be swallowed whole with water, without chewing, preferably after meals.
4. Dimethicone gel
Dimethicone gel is applied to clean, dry skin to create a protective barrier. It can be used several times a day, especially in areas prone to irritation or excess moisture.
Pediatric dimethicone
Pediatric dimethicone doses vary depending on the child’s age, weight, and the dosage form—drops, suspension, tablets, or gel. Use should always follow pediatric guidance.
-
Infants and children under 2 years: 10 to 20 mg per dose, given after meals and before bedtime
-
Children 2 to 12 years: 20 to 40 mg per dose, three to four times per day, as directed by a doctor
-
Children over 12 years: Similar to adult doses, totaling 40 to 125 mg daily, divided after meals
When used on the skin, dimethicone can be applied in creams or lotions to protect the baby’s skin from moisture and diaper irritation. A thin layer should be spread on clean, dry skin several times a day or as needed.
Are dimethicone and simethicone the same?
Dimethicone and simethicone are not exactly the same, although they are closely related. Both belong to the polysiloxane family and work similarly by reducing gas formation in the intestines.
The main difference is that simethicone is a combination of dimethicone and silicon dioxide, which makes it more stable and effective at breaking down air bubbles in the digestive tract.
Because of this, simethicone is more commonly used in antiflatulent medications, while dimethicone is also used in creams, lotions, and topical products that protect the skin or eliminate lice. In short, simethicone contains dimethicone, but dimethicone has broader applications beyond the digestive system.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of dimethicone include:
-
Mild nausea
-
Temporary changes in stool consistency
-
Mild skin irritation
-
Dry mouth in some cases
Most people do not experience side effects. Dimethicone is considered safe for both adults and children, and no serious allergic reactions have been reported in reviewed studies.
Contraindications for use
Dimethicone should not be used by people who are allergic to the active ingredient or in cases of intestinal obstruction. It is also not recommended if there is severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting until a serious condition has been ruled out.
In topical form, it should not be applied to open wounds or infected skin. Prolonged use without medical supervision is not recommended, especially in young children or people with chronic intestinal diseases.
There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm any clinically significant interactions between dimethicone and other medications.