Is It Safe To Use Gas-X Daily?

A large number of Americans struggle with the discomfort of bloating every week. Roughly one in seven people across the U.S., in fact, according to findings of a 2022 survey published in the scientific journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Even more, nearly 59% of respondents who stated they experience weekly bloating had never pursued medical care for the condition.

For some people, bloating may also be accompanied by uncomfortable gas that's gotten stuck within the intestines (per Medical News Today). When excess gas builds up in the digestive tract, it has trouble moving freely through our system like it normally would. This may be because a person has swallowed too much air, such as when chewing gum, consuming a carbonated drink, or having eaten too fast. 

Alternatively, perhaps the person has eaten some specific food items that prompt the body to produce greater amounts of gas, like dairy, whole grains, or certain fruits or vegetables. Whatever the cause, the feeling of trapped gas can sometimes be painful. Thankfully, certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Gas-X, are able to come to our rescue.

Available in the form of chews and soft gels, Gas-X products are designed to alleviate uncomfortable gas and bloating. How exactly does it do this? Gas-X products contain the active ingredient simethicone, which goes to work breaking up gas bubbles lodged in the intestines. Offering fast relief, Gas-X products come in varying degrees of strength from extra to ultra to maximum.

While it's not uncommon for the average person to pass gas as many as 21 times daily, if excess gas is making it difficult to get through your day, Gas-X may be a helpful treatment method (via Medical News Today). However, most medications are intended specifically for either short-term use or long-term use. Therefore, is it safe to use Gas-X on a daily basis?

As always, follow the dosage instructions specifically outlined on the product label. Generally speaking, however, adults and adolescents taking simethicone oral capsules or tablets are suggested to take 60 to 125 milligrams up to four times daily with meals and before going to sleep (via Mayo Clinic). For chewable tablets, 40 to 125 milligrams four times within a 24-hour period is suggested. Dr. Faith Goan, PharmD, writes via Curist that a person can take simethicone every day, but with one caveat — keep it to no more than 500 milligrams in a day. Furthermore, there are also cases in which simethicone is not recommended at all, such as for those with certain health conditions.

Generally speaking, while there are no notable side effects associated with Gas-X, there are instances in which one should first speak with their physician before taking the drug (via Curist). This includes those with gastric illness, children below the age of 12, as well as those who are pregnant or nursing. The medication should also be avoided by individuals who are allergic to simethicone. Be sure to disclose all medications you take to your doctor beforehand. Simethicone can interact with certain thyroid medications, for example. Your doctor can help you determine if the medication is safe for use.

At the end of the day, however, it's best to get to the bottom of any ongoing gas issues rather than continuing to utilize Gas-X as a long-term treatment method. Health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and more, can all potentially be the cause of uncomfortable gas and bloating (via Medical News Today). Addressing these conditions first and foremost will be the most effective way to treat trapped gas.