Medications

If you do not desire to avoid the foods that cause gas for you, many nonprescription medicines are available to help reduce symptoms.

• Beano is an enzyme supplement that may be useful with bean ingestion. It contains the sugar-digesting enzyme that the body lacks to digest the sugar in beans and many vegetables. Beano has no effect on gas caused by lactose or fiber. You can buy the enzyme over-the-counter. Add 3-10 drops per serving just before eating to break down the gas-producing sugars.
  
  
• Antacids, such as Mylanta II, Maalox II, and Di-Gel, contain simethicone, a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach so that gas is more easily belched away. However, these medicines have no effect on intestinal gas. These can be taken before meals. Dosage varies so read the labels.
  
  
• Activated charcoal tablets (Charcocaps) may provide relief from gas in the colon. Gas can be reduced if tablets are taken before and after a meal. The usual dose is 2-4 tablets taken just before eating and 1 hour after meals.
  
  
• Certain prescription medicines may help reduce symptoms, especially if you have a disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome. Some medicines such as metoclopramide (Clopra) have also been shown to decrease gas complaints by increasing gut activity.

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