10 best pills for bloating and gas
An important event is ahead, but is there a real hurricane in your stomach? We will find out what effective and fast-acting drugs for bloating and gas formation can be bought at a pharmacy, and what to look for when choosing them

Bloating (flatulence) is one of the most common problems associated with disruption of the digestive system. A person complains of a feeling of bloated and full abdomen, accompanied by excessive gas formation1. And although flatulence itself is not a dangerous disease, this problem can cause great discomfort and embarrassment.1.

List of top 10 inexpensive and fast-acting pills for bloating and gas according to KP

With general practitioner Oksana Khamitseva we’ve compiled a list of inexpensive, fast-acting bloating and gas remedies and discussed how to use them correctly. Note that self-medication can lead to unpredictable results, so before using medicines, you should consult a specialist.

1. Espumizan

The fastest acting remedy for bloating and rumbling in the stomach. Espumizan has no effect on the digestion process, is not absorbed into the blood (“works” only in the intestinal lumen), does not contain lactose and sugar. The active ingredient of the drug is simethicone, which is a safe remedy for bloating. The course of treatment is 14 days.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, intestinal obstruction, children under 6 years of age.

non-addictive, safe for diabetics and people with lactose intolerance.
unnatural composition, high cost of the drug.
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2. Meteospasmil

The drug has a complex effect: it anesthetizes well and relaxes the muscles of the intestine, reduces gas formation. Meteospasmil is prescribed for flatulence and bloating in the abdomen, as well as for nausea, belching and constipation. The drug is also suitable for patients with intestinal hypertonicity, who usually suffer from spastic constipation.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, prohibited for children under 14 years of age.

suitable for preparing the patient for various examinations (ultrasound, endoscopy of the stomach or intestines), anesthetizes and relaxes the intestinal muscles.
high price, not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. 
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3. Simethicone with fennel

The drug is prescribed for bloating and colic, as it effectively relieves increased gas formation. The active ingredients of the capsules are simethicone and fennel essential oil. Fennel eliminates the urge to vomit and is a natural antispasmodic.

Simethicone with fennel improves digestion, has no “side effects” even with long-term use.

Противопоказания: not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 6 years of age. 

affordable price, convenient form of release.
allergic reactions are possible with individual intolerance.
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4. Pancreatin

Pancreatin contains an active ingredient of the same name – an enzyme that facilitates the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and improves digestion. The drug copes well with signs of nausea, flatulence, rumbling and heaviness in the abdomen.

Tablets should be taken orally, without chewing and with a non-alkaline liquid (water, fruit juices).

Противопоказания: acute and chronic (in the acute stage) pancreatitis and lactose intolerance, children under 6 years of age.

affordable price, convenient form of release.
use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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5. Antareit 

Chewable tablets Antareyt quickly help with bloating, flatulence and heartburn. The action of the drug begins within a couple of minutes after application and has a lasting effect. Antarite well protects the gastric mucosa, creating a protective “film” on its surface. Also, the drug reduces the acidity of gastric juice.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, severe renal failure, fructose intolerance (due to the presence of sorbitol in the preparation).

increases the protective functions of the gastric mucosa. The tablets are easy to chew and do not require drinking water.
not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 12 years of age.
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6. Smecta

Smecta is one of the most popular and effective sorbent preparations. It copes well with toxins, irritants, as well as bacteria and viruses that are in the digestive tract. The sorbent is used for bloating, increased gas formation, intestinal upset and heartburn.2. Smecta has the same indications for children and adults.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to components, chronic constipation, intestinal obstruction, fructose intolerance in patients.

approved for use by pregnant and lactating women, as well as children from 1 month.
not suitable for people suffering from chronic constipation.
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7. Trimedat

Trimedat is an effective antispasmodic that copes well with discomfort in the abdomen. The main active ingredient in the composition is trimebutine, which quickly and effectively relieves discomfort and pain in the abdomen, relieves bloating and heartburn.3.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, intestinal obstruction, lactose intolerance in patients, pregnancy.

has a good analgesic effect.
should not be used by children under the age of 3 years, relatively high price in the segment.
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8. Duspatalin

The drug contains mevebrine, which is a good antispasmodic, so it is usually prescribed for pain and cramps in the abdomen, discomfort and bloating. Duspatalin has not only an analgesic, but also a therapeutic effect, coping with the symptoms of “irritable bowel”4. Tablets should be taken 20 minutes before meals with plenty of water.

Противопоказания: not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 18 years of age. 

convenient form of release, quickly relieves pain and increased gas formation.
should not be taken by persons under 18 years of age, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
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9. Metenorm

Metenorm is not a drug, but a dietary supplement, an additional source of inulin. The drug improves bowel function, helps with bloating and increased gas formation. Metenorm has a complex effect due to the composition:

  • inulin improves the natural intestinal microflora;
  • fennel extract prevents gas accumulation;
  • dandelion extract has an anti-inflammatory effect;
  • mint extract helps with bloating.

Противопоказания: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 18 years of age. 

convenient form of release, natural composition, improves bowel function.
allergic reactions are possible.
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10. Plantex

An excellent remedy for bloating and gas formation for those who appreciate the natural composition. Plantex is also prescribed for intestinal colic and for their prevention in newborns.

The main active ingredient of Plantex is fennel fruit extract. Fennel is useful for the gastrointestinal tract because it contains essential oils, organic acids and vitamins. The tool relieves pain with flatulence and facilitates the passage of gases. The active substances of the drug are completely absorbed and quickly relieve swelling.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, galactose / glucose malabsorption syndrome, lactase deficiency, galactosemia.

affordable price, natural composition, allowed for infants.
contains sugar, has a strong specific smell.

How to choose pills for bloating and gas formation

When choosing drugs for bloating and increased gas formation, it is necessary to adhere to an integrated approach. There are the following basic principles for the treatment of flatulence:

  • elimination of the cause (correction of the diet, normalization of the intestinal microflora, treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.);
  • getting rid of gas in the intestines5.

After the examination, the doctor will be able to determine the cause of flatulence and exclude more serious diseases (for example, gallbladder disease) from the list of possible diagnoses.

The patient is prescribed adequate treatment in accordance with the cause that caused the bloating. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe laxatives and drugs that improve intestinal motility.6.

All medicines for bloating can be divided into several groups: enterosorbents, defoamers, enzyme preparations, probiotics, herbal carminatives6. Correctly chosen by the doctor therapy allows the patient to get rid of the disturbing unpleasant symptom.

Reviews of doctors about pills for bloating and gas formation

Bloating and gas is a common problem faced by many adults and children. This is a pathological process that develops due to indigestion and is accompanied by the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Most doctors believe that fast-acting and affordable drugs help to normalize the digestive system, get rid of the accumulation of gases and improve the overall well-being of the patient. The most popular are preparations containing simethicone in the composition (Espumizan) or fennel extract (Plantex, Metenorm).

Popular questions and answers

Therapist Oksana Khamitseva answers popular questions regarding the treatment of bloating.

Why does gas production occur?

– The causes of bloating and gas formation are often:

• excessive consumption of foods that cause gas during digestion in the intestines;

• intestinal dysbacteriosis, excessive growth of flora;

• parasitic invasions;

• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

• stresses that provoke dysbacteriosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Separately, I would like to highlight the list of products that can cause bloating and gas formation:

• fruits: apples, cherries, pears, peaches, apricots, plums;

• vegetables: cabbage, beets, onions, garlic, legumes, mushrooms, asparagus;

• cereals: wheat, rye, barley;

• milk and dairy products: yogurt, ice cream, soft cheeses;

• flour: pastries, bread made from rye flour.

Can you drink water with bloating?

– Of course, you can drink water, especially since it’s summer and heat in the yard. But only clean, filtered or bottled. With bloating, it is strictly forbidden to drink such drinks as koumiss, kvass, beer and sparkling water.

What exercises help get rid of gases?

– In general, two situations are possible with increased gas formation: profuse discharge of gases and bloating. And if the passage of gases indicates normal intestinal motility, then bloating indicates a violation of this function. The intestines “stand”, spasms. This causes pain in the abdomen.

To improve intestinal motility, physical activity is very useful. Walking, running, swimming are good for this task. But exercises for the press should not be performed, as they increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, which can aggravate the situation.

What is the best way to sleep with a bloated stomach?

– The optimal posture during sleep with bloating is lying on your stomach. This reduces tension in the abdominal wall and reduces pain. In this case, the head of the bed should be raised by 15-20 cm.

For any signs of the appearance of flatulence, it is necessary to seek the advice of a general practitioner or gastroenterologist.

  1. Flatulence: circle of knowledge or circle of ignorance? Shulpekova Yu.O. Medical Council, 2013. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/meteorizm-krug-znaniya-ili-krug-neznaniya
  2. Flatulence. Causes and treatment. Nogaller A. Magazine “Doctor”, 2016. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/meteorizm-prichiny-i-lechenie
  3. Reference book of medicines Vidal: Trimedat. https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/trimedat 17684
  4. Reference book of medicines Vidal: Duspatalin. https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/duspatalin__33504
  5. Ivashkin V.T., Maev I.V., Okhlobystin A.V. et al. Recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association for the diagnosis and treatment of EPI. REGGC, 2018. https://www.gastroscan.ru/literature/authors/10334
  6. Gastroenterology. National leadership. Short edition: hands. / Ed. V.T. Ivashkina, T.L. Lapina. M., 2012. https://booksee.org/book/1348790

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