Bloating is one of the most common digestive issues. Bloating generally occurs along with issues like acidity, indigestion etc, however there can be times when an individual just might feel full after a meal. Temporary bloating can be ignored, however if it is more permanent, then it is a cause for concern. It could be pointing to an underlying issue as well.
Let us look at some of the widely available over the counter drugs that help in managing bloating
Digene
Digene has Simethicone which is a silicon based compound used for the treating bloating, acidity and gas. The compound breaks down the gas and provides great relief.Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium aluminium silicate hydrate present in digene decrease stomach acid while magnesium hydroxide is an antacid that relieves indigestion and heartburn
Agrocid
Agrocid is made of magnesium hydroxide and is an antacid that is given for hyperacidity. It is also used as a laxative and reduces stomach acid
Dinmol
Dimol has the property of breaking gas bubbles and is thus used for anti-flatulence properties. It is also used for bloating and abdominal pain
Gelusil
Gelusil is very similar to Digene in terms of action. Gelusil contains aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and dimethicone. Aluminium Hydroxide acts as an antacid and neutralizes stomach acid. Dimethicone releases the gas while magnesium hydroxide acts as a laxative that increases water and reduces stomach acid.
Alcid
Alcid mint tablet is an antacid that is used to treat acidity, indigestion, gastritis. Alcid Mint Tablet is a combination of Aluminium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium silicate and Simethicone. Aluminium Hydroxide acts as an antacid and neutralizes stomach acid. Magnesium hydroxide acts as a laxative and increases water and reduces stomach acid. Magnesium silicate also neutralizes excess stomach acid. Simethicone is anti-flatulent which works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitates the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping)
Gas-X
Gas-X is a medicine similar to Digene. The drug contains simethicone Simethicone is known for its anti-flatulence properties as it breaks down gas bubbles in the stomach and thus releases the gas through flatus or burping
Mylanta Gas
Mylanta Gas is also similar to Digene or GasX. This medicine also contains simethicone which breaks down the gas bubble forcing them out through flatus or burping
Pepto-Bismol
The main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate. It protects your stomach and the lower part of your food pipe from stomach acid. It also has slight antacid properties and reduces too much stomach acid. Primarily used for diarrhea and upset stomach, it can also provide relief from bloating and gas by reducing inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract
Beano
Beano tablet is an effective gas relief tablet. It contains the enzyme alpha-galactosidase. It helps in relieving gas by breaking down complex carbohydrates. It is mostly helpful when someone is facing bloating because of foods like beans, lentils, and vegetables
One must always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication and the dependency on these should not be built as they may have other side effects on the body in the long run.
