Simeticone 100mg capsules

Background: Proton pump inhibitors are effective for functional dyspepsia but ineffective in relieving postprandial distress syndrome. Curcuma longa might be effective for postprandial distress syndrome. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Curcuma longa and simethicone for postprandial distress syndrome in an open-label randomized-controlled trial. Methods: This trial was conducted between July 2018 and February 2019. In total, 78 patients were randomly assigned to receive 4 weeks of treatment with 750 or 1,500 mg oral Curcuma longa per day or 240 mg simethicone per day. The patients assessed their symptoms using the dyspepsia Global Overall Symptom scale at baseline, week 2, and week 4. After stopping medication for 2 weeks, the patients assessed recurrent symptoms and day of recurrence by themselves at the end of week 6. Results: In total, 78 patients underwent randomization (27 in 750 mg Curcuma longa, 26 in 1500 mg Curcuma longa, and 25 in simethicone groups). After 2 weeks, there were no significant differences in all mean changes of symptoms scores (95%CI) of postprandial distress syndrome [-4.1 (-4.5, -2.6) vs -4.3 (-5.2, -3.3) vs -4.2 (-4.8, -3.5), P=0.954]. Over a period of 4 weeks, the reduction in mean scores was greater among participants receiving simethicone (although not statistically significant) compared with two intervention groups [-4.6 (-5.7, -3.6) vs -5.4 (-6.6, -4.1) vs -6.2 (-7.2, -5.2), P=0.122]. The rate of recurrence was significantly lower in simethicone than the two Curcuma longa groups (42.9 vs 45.5 vs 13.6%, P=0.047). There was no serious adverse event reported in all three groups. Conclusions:Curcuma longa had a similar effect on treatment outcomes to simethicone after 2 and 4 weeks, but the recurrence rate of symptoms was significantly higher without serious adverse events. Registration: Registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry on 31 January 2018; TCTR20180131001.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Abdominal pain is the cardinal symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the primary determinant of disease burden and healthcare utilization. Despite its diagnostic centrality and high prevalence across all IBS subtypes, effective management remains a clinical challenge. This narrative review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IBS-related pain, emphasizing the role of visceral hypersensitivity, altered brain-gut communication, and luminal factors such as gas and distension. We examine current guideline recommendations, real-world treatment patterns, and evidence supporting both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Particular focus is placed on the fixed-dose combination of alverine citrate/simeticone, which targets both motor and sensory pathways. Mechanistic studies demonstrate its smooth muscle relaxant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory actions. Clinical trials support its efficacy in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and lowering healthcare resource use. Despite these advances, several unmet needs remain, including subtype-specific treatment strategies, mechanistic biomarkers, and broader access to integrated care. The review concludes with a call for more personalized, mechanism-based approaches to pain management in IBS, with alverine citrate/simeticone offering a pragmatic option within this evolving therapeutic framework.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0