Online Pharmacy & OTC The 8 Best Gas Medicines of 2023 Gas-X Softgels are formulated with simethicone to reduce gas buildup By Alena Hall and Simone Scully Updated on November 04, 2022 Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Gas is a normal component of the digestive system. It accumulates as you swallow air when you eat and drink, and it can form in the large intestine as bacteria work to break down carbohydrates like fiber, some starches, and some sugars that aren't digested in your small intestine. When excessive gas gets trapped in the gastrointestinal tract, cramping and bloating are the resulting side effects. That's where over-the-counter gas medicines come in. Gas medicines work to reduce gas buildup in the stomach. When looking for a gas medicine, search for active ingredients, such as simethicone, which is an anti-foaming agent to prevent gas in the stomach and intestines. We researched dozens of gas medicines and evaluated them for active ingredients, price, side effects, and how quickly the product took effect. A gastroenterologist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding gas buildup, different treatment options, and how to evaluate them. What to Look for in Gas Relief Medicine Ingredients Gas relief isn't a one-size-fits-all medication. The most popular gas medicines on the market use different ingredients, depending on the need they fill. For example, if you're lactose intolerant, you'll want to look for products that include the digestive enzyme lactase. If you're not sure what ingredient will best suit your needs, talk to your doctor. Form Gas medication is available in different forms, so if you're hesitant to swallow pills, there are other options you can resort to. Gummies, teas, and caplets are some of the most popular forms, so it's easy to find a medication you enjoy taking. Frequently Asked Questions Can gas medicine cause constipation? It depends on the gas medicine you use. Gas-x, Beano, and Lactaid “should not cause constipation,” says Jessica Nouhavandi, PharmD and co-founder of online pharmacy Honeybee Health. “There are few side effects reported with these medications.” There are also no clinical studies indicating that CharcoCaps cause constipation and herbal teas shouldn’t either. However, some of the other medications, including Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief Caplets, Pepto Bismol LiquiCaps, and Alka-Seltzer have been known to cause constipation for some people. If you experience this side effect, stop using the medication and contact your doctor. Does gas medicine help with diarrhea? Most simple active ingredient products, such as Gas-X and Beano, won’t help with diarrhea, though Lactaid can since it helps improve the digestion of dairy products.Imodium Multi-Symptom does help with diarrhea though because it contains loperamide as an active ingredient, which is an anti-diarrheal. Pepto-Bismol also helps treat diarrhea, though with a different active ingredient: bismuth subsalicylate. Choose an anti-gas medicine carefully if you are experiencing more than one symptom. Not all of them treat the same thing. Can you take gas medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding? It depends on the gas medicine because not all gas medicines have been studied for use with pregnant or breastfeeding women. That’s why it’s always recommended that you speak to your doctor when you’re pregnant before taking an over-the-counter medication. However, according to the American Gastroenterological Association, Simethicone, the active ingredient in Gas-X, is generally considered safe for pregnant women. The reason why it’s generally considered safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women is that it works by breaking up gas bubbles in your intestine but isn’t actually absorbed into your body, so it won’t pass to the baby in utero or through breast milk. Here are the best gas medicines on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Gas-X Extra Strength Gas Relief Softgels at Amazon Jump to Review Best for After-Dinner Relief: Beano Ultra 800 Gas Prevention at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Lactose Intolerance: Lactaid Fast Act Lactase Enzyme Supplement at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Multi-Symptom Relief: Imodium Multi-Symptom Anti-Diarrheal Caplets at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Stomach Aches: Pepto Bismol LiquiCaps Rapid Relief at Amazon Jump to Review Best Gummy: Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas ReliefChews at Amazon Jump to Review Best Charcoal: CharcoCaps Activated Charcoal Detox & Digestive Relief at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tea: Traditional Medicinals Organic Gas Relief Digestive Tea at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand What to Look For FAQ Our Picks Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Gas-X Extra Strength Gas Relief Softgels with Simethicone Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Relatively few side effects Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding Fast-acting No contraindications Cons Can cause allergic reactions Can decrease the absorption of thyroid medications We chose these easy-to-swallow, extra-strength gel capsules as our best overall pick because they are powered with simethicone, a doctor-recommended anti-gas medicine. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that helps reduce the buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines responsible for gas pressure, bloating, and discomfort. It’s an effective remedy for excessive gas resulting from eating a wide range of foods and some users report that they begin experiencing relief in a matter of minutes. Gas-X is a top doctor-recommended brand of simethicone-based gas relief. If you’re uncomfortable with swallowing a small softgel, you can achieve the same relief in Gas-X’s chewables formula. Price at time of publication: $14 for 72 count ($0.18 / Count) Active Ingredients: Simethicone | Dose: 1 or 2 tablets as needed. Don’t exceed 4 in 24 hours (500 milligrams) | Uses: Relieve pressure, bloating, and fullness due to gas What the Experts Say "In pregnancy, the hormonal effects, particularly from progesterone, slows the digestive system by relaxing the smooth muscles. As such, there is an increase in bloating and gas, as food moves slower through the gut. Gas-X is commonly utilized in pregnancy because simethicone works by breaking up surface gas bubbles in the intestine and it isn’t absorbed into the body or excreted in breast milk." — Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified OB/Gyn and doctor of Maternal Fetal Medicine, director of perinatal services at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln Best for After-Dinner Relief Beano Ultra 800 Gas Prevention Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Carewell.com Pros Works to prevent gas before it occurs Vegetarian-friendly Can be taken with every meal No documented side effects or contraindications Cons Not as effective if taken after meal Need to be stored before 77 degrees or enzyme can get inactivated in heat Can cause allergic reaction If you find that your meals including beans, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains are followed shortly by episodes of excessive gas, Beano might be the best solution for you. The active ingredient in Beano is actually a digestive enzyme called alpha-galactosidase, which your stomach needs to break down complex carbohydrates in certain foods more effectively. By taking two Beano tablets before mealtime, you prepare your digestive system to better handle the contents on your plate, resulting in less bloating and discomfort from gas. Beano’s formula is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, and the manufacturer reports that it provides 33% more gas-preventing power than the leading store brand. Price at time of publication: $16 for 100 count ($0.11 / Count) Active Ingredients: Alpha-galactosidase enzyme | Dose: 2-3 tablets right before you eat a meal | Uses: Helps break down complex carbohydrates found in beans, vegetables, and whole grains so they don’t cause gas What the Experts Say "Alpha-galactosidase (in Beano) is an enzyme that works with your digestive tract to break down the complex carbohydrates that are found in beans, vegetables and whole grains, and makes them more easily digestible before reaching the colon. Overall, the alpha-galactosidase enzyme works to prevent gas before it even occurs." — Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi, pharmacist and co-founder of Honeybee Health Best for Lactose Intolerance Lactaid Fast Act Lactase Enzyme Supplement Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Fast-acting Few side effects Kosher Cons Must be kept away from heat and humidity Not effective against gas that doesn’t come from lactose The severity and symptoms of lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity can vary greatly depending on the person, but excessive gas is a common symptom for many. Lactaid is a well-respected brand known for helping folks with dairy issues enjoy their meals and the hours thereafter more comfortably. The active ingredient is a hefty dose of the digestive enzyme lactase, which helps the stomach break down lactose (milk sugar) more efficiently. Simply take an easy-to-swallow Lactaid capsule before a dairy-containing meal and enjoy your food free of stress and discomfort. This Lactaid product is certified kosher, and it’s safe for both adults and children ages 4 and up. If you aren’t comfortable swallowing a capsule, this product also comes in a vanilla-flavored chewable. Price at time of publication: $37 for 96 count ($0.39 / Count) Active Ingredients: Lactase enzyme, sodium | Dose: 1-2 caplets with a bite of dairy food, take 1 more 30-45 minutes later if symptoms continue | Uses: Aid with digestion of dairy products containing lactose What the Experts Say "If the gas is due to lactose intolerance, lactase (which is in Lactaid) can be taken to help with symptoms. Lactase is an enzyme that is naturally produced in our bodies. However, people who have lactose intolerance are not able to produce this enzyme that helps with digestion of dairy products." — Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi, pharmacist and co-founder of Honeybee Health The 7 Best Antacids of 2023 Best for Multi-Symptom Relief Imodium Multi-Symptom Anti-Diarrheal Caplets Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Can be used by adults and children over age 12 Relieves both diarrhea and gas-related symptoms Cons Can cause tiredness, drowsiness or dizziness May interact with certain prescription drugs Must be taken on an empty stomach When excessive gas, bloating, and discomfort are paired with diarrhea and cramps, you need a combination of active ingredients to tackle your symptoms—and that’s where this Imodium formula comes in. The caplets use simethicone to treat gas and bloating and loperamide hydrochloride to treat loose stools acutely. This product is one of the few on the OTC market that combines these two ingredients to provide safe and effective multi-symptom relief, and can be taken by both adults and children ages 12 and up. Price at time of publication: $14 for 12 count ($1.12 / Count) Active Ingredients: Loperamide HCI, Simethicone | Dose: Adults and children over 12: 2 caplets after first loose stool, 1 caplet after subsequent stool but no more than 4 caplets in 24 hours | Uses: Relieve symptoms of diarrhea and bloating, pressure, or cramps due to gas The 7 Best Glucometers of 2023 Best for Stomach Aches Pepto Bismol LiquiCaps Rapid Relief Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Rapid relief Cons Can’t use if you have bleeding problems, stomach ulcer, or if allergic to aspirin Can cause side effects, including black or darkened tongue, darker stool, and constipation A mainstay in the world of OTC tummy trouble relief, Pepto Bismol can be effective in remedying excessive gas experienced in conjunction with an upset stomach. Similar to Imodium, it helps treat diarrhea, but it does so in a different way with a different active ingredient. Bismuth subsalicylate functions both as an upset stomach reliever and an anti-diarrheal, helping to soothe a stomach ache, relieve indigestion and gas, and bring an end to diarrhea. So if you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, Pepto Bismol LiquiCaps can provide fast, safe, and effective relief. Many users like the capsule form because it makes it easier to take the medicine while on the move. However, if you would rather not swallow a capsule, you can explore Pepto Bismol’s pharmacist-recommended line of liquid medicines instead. Price at time of publication: $11 for 12 count ($0.92 / Count) Active Ingredients: Bismuth Subsalicylate | Dose: 2 LiquiCaps every half hour as needed. Do not exceed 8 doses in 24 hours | Uses: Coat upset stomach, calm heartburn and nausea, and relieve indigestion and diarrhea Best Gummy Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas ReliefChews Amazon View On Amazon View On Walgreens Pros Fast relief Chewable with non-chalky, tropical flavor Cons Ingredients can cause allergic reactions Can cause constipation For folks who struggle with swallowing pills, these tasty gummies from Alka-Seltzer can help relieve excessive gas while providing fast heartburn relief. The non-chalky chewable formula contains calcium carbonate, a common ingredient for reducing excessive stomach acid that leads to heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. Simply chew and swallow one or two gummies as you experience symptoms, and feel them get to work quickly. The chews come in a tropical punch flavor and are easier to travel with than traditional Alka-Seltzer tablets that require a glass of water. They are suitable for adults and children ages 12 and up. Price at time of publication: $17 for 32 count ($0.52 / Count) Active Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Simethicone | Dose: Chew then swallow 1-2 tablets as symptoms occur. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks | Uses: Relieve heartburn, upset stomach, gas, pressure and bloating Best Charcoal CharcoCaps Activated Charcoal Detox & Digestive Relief Amazon View On Amazon View On CVS View On Herbspro.com Pros Safe for long-term and daily use Not irritating for stomach Fast relief Cons May absorb other medications Will absorb a small amount of food’s nutrients Some people swear by activated charcoal as a natural supplement to alleviate their gas, bloating and discomfort. Commonly used in emergency medicine to help treat drug overdoses, activated charcoal traps toxins and prevents absorption. Research on activated charcoal for gas relief is limited, but it appears to be a safe and effective short-term solution for gas relief. The CharcoCaps formula is made of 100% natural activated charcoal and free of yeast, corn, soy, gluten, milk, salt, sugar, starch, and preservatives, so it is safe for people with all sorts of dietary preferences. If you use activated charcoal frequently, be aware that common side effects can include tongue discoloration, black stools, and constipation. Price at time of publication: $20 for 100 count ($.20 / Count) Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal | Dose: 2 capsules with water, preferably before meals | Uses: Binds to unwanted gas and absorbs it for gas relief Best Tea Traditional Medicinals Organic Gas Relief Digestive Tea Amazon View On Amazon View On IHerb View On Luckyvitamin.com Pros Natural gas relief Can’t overdose Rehydrating Cons No proven effectiveness Another natural gas relief option is drinking a carefully curated herbal tea. These tea bags from Traditional Medicinals combine the powers of chamomile and peppermint, two known gas-relieving herbs, to help soothe gas-related bloating and discomfort. The formula also includes caraway fruit, coriander fruit, and lemon balm leaf to further soothe the stomach. It’s aromatic and minty with subtle notes of spice, calming your senses as you bring pointed relief to your digestive system. And unlike the other options on this list, you can enjoy as much tea as you like without fear of overdoing it with certain pharmaceuticals. You also help to rehydrate your body, which can be beneficial in the fight against bloating as well. Price at time of publication: $36 for 96 Count (Pack of 6) ($0.37 / Count) Active Ingredients: Chamomile and peppermint | Dose: Drink tea as often as needed | Uses: To relieve symptoms of gas and bloating What the Experts Say "Studies on digestive and herbal teas are still in the works. Currently, there isn’t enough evidence to support the use of tea for gas relief." — Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi, pharmacist and co-founder of Honeybee Health The 7 Best Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Treatments of 2023 Final Verdict When it comes to gas medicine, Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels (view at Amazon) are your best bet for overall relief. Their gel formula helps quickly relieve bloating and stomach pain from most foods. If you're reluctant to try a pill, Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas Relief Chews (view at Amazon) are a great tasting option that offer the same gas relief in a tasty, chewable gummy. Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life. Additional reporting to this story by Simone Scully Simone Scully is a New York-based writer and editor with years of experience writing about health, wellness, science, and lifestyle. Her byline has appeared at Healthline, Well+Good, Romper, Motherifigure’s magazine, Nautilus, Narratively, AskMen, among other places. 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Simethicone. Al-Shboul OA, Mustafa AG, Omar AA, et al. Effect of progesterone on nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling and contraction in gastric smooth muscle cells. [Published correction appears in Biomed Rep 2020;12(1):36]. Biomed Rep. 2018;9(6):511-516. doi:10.3892/br.2018.1161 U.S. National Library of Medicine. GLA gene. Stourman N, Moore J. Analysis of lactase in lactose intolerance supplements. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2018;46(6):652-662. doi:10.1002/bmb.21185 MedlinePlus. Bismuth subsalicylate. U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Calcium carbonate. MedlinePlus. Activated charcoal. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit