NOTE: This is a work in process. Please contact us to find out when this is complete!
Simethicone is Everywhere…Almost
Simethicone is almost ubiquitous in the GI Endoscopy suite and operating room in hospitals around the world. We say almost because there has been some positive progress recently of facilities moving completely away from this dangerous drug. We ask you to review the data below with an open and inquisitive mind.
What is Simethicone?
Simethicone is a generic, over-the-counter drug, which is an anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating, discomfort or pain caused by excessive gas within the GI tract1. It is used off-label during endoscopy procedures to improve visibility due to bubble formation during insufflation of the endoscope.
It’s no secret that simethicone works well for removing bubbles during endoscopy. Simethicone is comprised of silica and dimethicone.
Dimethicone is one of the top industrial anti-foaming agents available. However it is hydrophobic and adheres to the inside of your endoscope working channels. This occurs even after following protocols for High-Level Disinfection.
Silica is another antifoaming agent but also a desiccant, so it absorbs fluid. When these two are combined into simethicone, you have a component which adheres to the endoscope working channel and absorbs fluid to remain moist.
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