We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Online Pharmacy & OTC The 8 Best Over-the-Counter Gas Medicines to Help You Relieve Pain and Bloating The medicines help with excessive gas, painful bloating, lactose intolerance, and more. By Sherri Gordon Updated on August 31, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Marcus Millan If you are like most people, you may be passing gas as often as 14 times per day—maybe even more. While gas is a normal part of your digestive process and accumulates when you swallow air while eating and drinking, excessive gas can get trapped in your gastrointestinal tract. This can cause cramping, bloating, burping, flatulence—and sometimes even embarrassment. When this happens, gas medicines can aid in alleviating symptoms. Most gas medicines work by reducing the gas buildup in your stomach. The effectiveness of these medications may vary from person to person depending on the cause of the gas, but is an overall safe form of self-medication, says Sarah Robbins, MD, MSc, FRCPC, a gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and founder of Well Sunday. Gas medications work by reducing the gas bubbles in your digestive tract, breaking down poorly digested carbohydrates, or improving the balance of your gut microbiota, she says. Some common active ingredients in gas medicines include simethicone, alpha-galactosidase, and activated charcoal. But because different gas medicines target different causes of gas, it may be helpful to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider, especially if you don’t know the underlying cause, Dr. Robbins says. They can help you decide which method is best for you. When buying gas medicines, Sara Mesilhy, MRCP, a gastroenterologist and medical advisor for Probiotic Review Girl suggests looking at both the form of the product as well as the active ingredients, possible side effects, and how long it works. To develop our list of the best gas medicines, we received input from five medical professionals and reviewed countless gas medicines for their effectiveness, ingredients, use, and form. Whether you are dealing with consistent gassiness, an upset stomach, or lactose intolerance, you will find a medication that fits your needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Gas-X Extra Strength Gas Relief Softgels at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Gas Prevention: Beano Ultra 800 Gas Prevention at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best for Lactose Intolerance: Lactaid Fast Act Lactase Enzyme Supplement at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best for Multi-Symptom Relief: Imodium Multi-Symptom Anti-Diarrheal Caplets at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best for Stomach Aches: Pepto Bismol LiquiCaps Rapid Relief at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Gummy: Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas ReliefChews at Amazon ($27) Jump to Review Best Charcoal: CharcoCaps Activated Charcoal Detox & Digestive Relief at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Tea: Traditional Medicinals Organic Gas Relief Digestive Tea at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected the Best Gas Medicines What to Look for in a Gas Medicine FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Gas-X Extra Strength Gas Relief Softgels Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $11 View On CVS $18 Pros Fast acting Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people Not absorbed by the body Cons Can cause allergic reactions (but this is rare) May interfere with the absorption of other medications While moving around—particularly after a meal—can help reduce gas, sometimes your body needs a little boost in relieving trapped gas and the medication that is typically recommended is simethicone, says Catherine Kerschen, DO, FACOI, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at MSU Health Care. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that helps reduce the buildup of gas in your stomach and intestines, which is often responsible for the gas pressure, bloating, and discomfort you experience. Once these trapped gas bubbles are broken down, your body can deal with the gas naturally. If you are looking for a fast-acting, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, we recommend these extra-strength Gas-X gel capsules with simethicone. This medication is easy-to-swallow, but it also comes in chewables if you are not comfortable taking capsules. Besides the fast relief, you can rest assured that your body is not absorbing the simethicone but just utilizing its benefits. This medication is safe during pregnancy, when some people may be particularly plagued with painful gas. In fact, during pregnancy, hormones like progesterone slow the digestive system by relaxing the smooth muscles, says Kecia Gaither, MD, a double-board certified OB/GYN, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, and director of perinatal services at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln. This causes an increase in bloating and gas because food is moving slower through the gut. For this reason, Gas-X is commonly used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding to break up surface bubbles in the intestine Dr. Gaither says. It also is not absorbed by the body or excreted in breast milk. That said, you should still talk to a healthcare provider before taking this medication to be sure it is right for you. In very rare cases, simethicone may cause an allergic reaction or interfere with medications. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Simethicone | Size: 72 soft gels | Dose: 1 or 2 tablets as needed | Uses: Relieves pressure, bloating, and fullness Best for Gas Prevention Beano Ultra 800 Gas Prevention Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Walmart $7 View On Walgreens $8 Pros Gluten-free and vegetarian friendly Prevents gas before it occurs Can be taken at every meal Cons Not effective if taken after meals If you find that eating beans, vegetables, and whole grains is often followed by episodes of excessive gas, Beano might be the best solution for you. It’s formulated with a digestive enzyme called alpha-galactosidase. Your stomach utilizes this enzyme to break down complex carbohydrates that are typically found in beans, vegetables, and whole grains, says Jessica Nouhavandi, PharmD, a pharmacist and co-founder of Honeybee Health. Using gas medicines like Beano that contain the alpha-galactosidase enzyme can work to prevent gas before it even occurs. By taking two Beano tablets before mealtime, you prepare your digestive system to better handle the contents on your plate, resulting in less pain, bloating, and discomfort from gas. Plus, Beano’s formula is gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and extremely effective at preventing gas before it occurs. The key is remembering to take the medication before you eat, because if you take it after you eat, it may not be as effective. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Alpha-galactosidase | Size: 100 tablets | Dose: 2 to 3 tablets before a meal | Uses: Helps break down complex carbohydrates Best for Lactose Intolerance Lactaid Fast Act Lactase Enzyme Supplement Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Walmart $17 View On Walgreens $14 Pros Fast acting Kosher Breaks down lactose Cons Does not work on other types of gas In the United States, nearly 40% of people are lactose intolerant—meaning they are lacking the enzyme lactase, which digests the lactose found in most dairy products. While the severity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person, having excessive gas is a common symptom along with bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Although lactase is naturally produced by the body, some people are not able to produce enough of this digestive enzyme, which ultimately makes it hard for them to digest dairy products, says Dr. Nouhavandi. If this sounds like you, we recommend Lactaid—a well-respected over-the-counter medication containing the lactase you need in order to enjoy your meal without any uncomfortable side effects. To use this medication to offset your symptoms, take two capsules before a meal containing dairy. As an added bonus, this gas medicine is certified Kosher and is safe for adults and children ages 4 and older. And if you’re not comfortable swallowing a capsule, this product also comes in a vanilla-flavored chewable. If you are not sure if your gas and other symptoms are the result of lactose intolerance, it is important to see a healthcare provider before taking this medication as it is not effective on gas symptoms that are not related to lactose intolerance. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Lactase enzyme, sodium | Size: 96 caplets | Dose: 1 to 2 caplets with dairy| Uses: Aids digestion of dairy products The 10 Best Antacids To Fend off Heartburn, According to Doctors Best for Multi-Symptom Relief Imodium Multi-Symptom Anti-Diarrheal Caplets Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $9 View On Walgreens $13 Pros Relieves both diarrhea and gas Helps restore digestive balance May beneficial for people undergoing chemo Cons Can cause tiredness and dizziness Can interfere with prescription medications When it comes to excessive gas, bloating, discomfort, diarrhea, and cramps, there are few medications that can offer the multi-symptom relief that these caplets can. The combination of anti-gas simethicone and anti-diarrheal loperamide tackle your symptoms together to bring you relief by slowing down your digestive system and restoring its natural rhythm and balance. Plus, loperamide has been used as an off-label treatment for those undergoing chemotherapy who experience diarrhea. It’s one of only a few over-the-counter gas medicines on the market that combines these two ingredients. Imodium can also be taken by adults and children 12 and older. That said, it is important to note that loperamide can cause tiredness, drowsiness, or dizziness and is unsafe when taken in high doses. It also may even interact with certain prescription drugs. For this reason, you should consult with a healthcare provider before taking this medication. Likewise, stop taking it and see a doctor if your symptoms get worse or your diarrhea lasts more than two days. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Loperamide, simethicone | Size: 12 caplets | Dose: 2 caplets after loose stool | Uses: Relieves pressure and cramps as well as symptoms of diarrhea and bloating The Best 8 Glucometers, Backed by Our Testing Best for Stomach Aches Pepto Bismol LiquiCaps Rapid Relief Amazon View On Amazon $20 Pros Multi-symptom relief Fast acting Cons Can cause ringing in the ears As a mainstay in the world of over-the-counter tummy trouble relief, Pepto Bismol is 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 and bring an end to diarrhea. As an added bonus it also can help address other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, gas, and indigestion, Dr. Robbins says. The only downside is that using it can, in some cases, cause a ringing or buzzing in your ears. If this happens, contact a healthcare professional. You also should not take this medication if you are allergic to aspirin. 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. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Bismuth subsalicylate | Size: 48 liquicaps | Dose: 2 Liquicaps as needed | Uses: Coats upset stomach, calms heartburn and nausea, relieves indigestion and diarrhea Best Gummy Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas ReliefChews Amazon View On Amazon $27 Pros Fast acting Travel friendly Non-chalky taste Cons Can cause constipation If you struggle to swallow pills, you may appreciate Alka-Seltzer Heartburn and Gas Relief Chews. These non-chalky, gummy antacids contain calcium carbonate, a common ingredient for reducing excessive stomach acid that leads to acid indigestion and upset stomach. Not only are they easy to take when the need arises, but they’re also fast acting. Plus, Dr. Robbins indicates antacids are an effective choice to relieve excessive gas that is associated with heartburn or upper abdominal pain. Available in a tropical punch flavor, these chews also are easier to travel with. Unlike the more traditional Alka-Seltzer tablets that require a glass of water, you can simply use these chews as needed. The only downside is that calcium carbonate can cause constipation. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, simethicone | Size: 180 chewable tablets | Dose: Chew 1 to 2 tablets as symptoms occur | Uses: Relieves heartburn, upset stomach, gas, pressure, bloating Best Charcoal CharcoCaps Activated Charcoal Detox & Digestive Relief Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On Walgreens $23 View On Herbspro.com Pros Fast acting Absorbs gas Non-irritating Cons Can cause black stools and constipation May make certain medications less effective If you are looking for an alternative to simethicone or other common gas medicines, you may want to try activated charcoal like the kind found in CharcoCaps Activated Charcoal Detox and Digestive Relief. This multi-symptom, fast-acting anti-gas supplement helps relieve pressure, bloating, flatulence, and stomach discomfort by binding to unwanted gas in your body allowing it to naturally be carried out of your digestive system. While activated charcoal is most often used in emergency medicine to help treat poisoning, accidental ingestions of harmful toxins, and drug overdoses, Dr. Robbins indicates that it is also effective in absorbing gas in your gut and reducing your symptoms. And though research on activated charcoal for gas relief is limited, it appears to be a safe and effective short-term solution for gas relief. As an added bonus, these CharcoCaps are made of 100% naturally activated charcoal and are gluten-free. They also do not contain yeast, corn, soy, milk, salt, sugar, starch, and preservatives, making them ideal for people with all sorts of dietary limitations. That said, activated charcoal can cause black stools and constipation, so it should be used sparingly. There is also the possibility that it could absorb your medications, like birth control, and make them less effective. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if these CharcoCaps are right for you. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal | Size: 100 capsules | Dose: 2 capsules with water 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 $6 Pros Natural approach to gas relief Doesn’t interfere with other medications Cons Limited research to support the use of tea for gas relief Herbal tea—like peppermint or fennel—has traditionally been used to alleviate gas and bloating, Dr. Robbins says. And it's often a natural gas relief option for people who do not want to take traditional medicine. If you are looking for a more natural way to address your painful gas and bloating, we recommend Traditional Medicinals Organic Gas Relief Digestive Tea. This particular version combines 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. Plus, there are no known interactions between tea and medications. 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. Just keep in mind that studies on digestive and herbal teas as a treatment for gas relief are limited, says Dr. Nouhavandi, so this tea may work for some but others may need to try something else. Key Specs: Active Ingredients: Chamomile and peppermint | Size: 16 count pack of 6 | Dose: Drink as needed | Uses: Relieves symptoms of gas and bloating How We Selected the Best Gas Medicines We evaluated countless gas medications based on their effectiveness, ingredients list, and form in order to formulate a list of medications designed to tackle a number of gastrointestinal symptoms like gassiness, upset stomach, and lactose intolerance. Our goal was to find the best products available to help alleviate your symptoms. During our review process, we also spoke with five medical professionals: Sarah Robbins, MD, MSc, FRCPC, a gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and founder of Well Sunday Catherine Kerschen, DO, FACOI, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at MSU Health Care Kecia Gaither, MD, a double-board certified OB/GYN, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, and director of perinatal services at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln Jessica Nouhavandi, PharmD, a pharmacist and co-founder of Honeybee Health Sara Mesilhy, MRCP, a gastroenterologist and medical advisor for Probiotic Review Girl We used their insight and expertise to help guide our selections. The end result is a comprehensive list of gas medicines designed to tackle the toughest gas issues out there. Of course, if you have consistent or worsening symptoms, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider about your condition. Also, if you have an underlying health issue, you will likely need additional treatment other than an over-the-counter gas medicine. What to Look for in a Gas Medicine Active Ingredients There is no one-size-fits-all medication when it comes to gas relief. While many of the most popular gas medicines on the market use different ingredients, look for a medication with simethicone for a safe way to relieve common gas. This ingredient causes gas bubbles to coalesce and become more easily expelled from the body, Dr. Robbins says. Meanwhile, alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that helps break down complex carbohydrates in foods that the body might have a hard time digesting, thus preventing gas before it forms, Dr. Robbins adds. And activated charcoal works by absorbing gas in the digestive system and may help with symptoms of bloating and abdominal discomfort, but can cause black stools and constipation, she says. It also may also interact with other medications. Finally, Bismuth subsalicylate may be used to treat symptoms of stomach upset such as heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea, Dr. Robbins adds. Form and Dosage Gas medication is available in a variety of different forms. From gummies and teas to caplets and liquid gels, you are sure to find a form and dosage that works for you. Having options is particularly important if you are hesitant to swallow pills and need another way to take the medication. Uses Because each gas medicine is designed to treat different symptoms, it is important to carefully select your gas medicine and ensure it addresses your needs. What’s more, many gas medicines indicate that you should not use these medications long-term, so if you find yourself reaching for your over-the-counter remedy frequently, you may want to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Additionally, if you are older than 50 and experiencing new or worsening digestive symptoms, including gas and bloating, you should consult with a healthcare provider, Dr. Robbins says. The risk of certain gastrointestinal diseases, including cancer, increases with age. Symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerances often begin at a younger age, she says. Frequently Asked Questions Can gas medication cause constipation? While it is true that some gas medicines may lead to constipation, you should not have any issues with Gas-X, Beano, or Lactaid, says Dr. Nouhavandi. In fact, these medications have very few side effects. There also are no clinical studies indicating that CharcoCaps cause constipation, and herbal teas should not have this effect either. But Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Alka-Seltzer may cause constipation in some people. If you experience constipation while taking a gas medication, stop using it and contact a healthcare provider. Does gas medicine help with diarrhea? Most gas medicines containing simple active ingredients—like Gas-X and Beano—won’t help with diarrhea. But Lactaid may help since it helps improve the digestion of dairy products. Likewise, Imodium Multi-Symptom will help with diarrhea since it contains loperamide, which is an anti-diarrheal. Pepto-Bismol also helps treat diarrhea through the active ingredient Bismuth subsalicylate. If you are selecting a gas medication for more than one symptom, you need to choose carefully. Not all gas medicines will treat the same symptoms. Can I take gas medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding? Not all gas medicines have been studied for use when pregnant or breastfeeding. For this reason, you need to speak with a healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter medication. That said, the American Gastroenterological Association indicates that simethicone, the active ingredient in Gas-X, is generally considered safe for pregnant people. This is largely due to the fact that simethicone works to break up gas bubbles in your intestines but isn’t actually absorbed into your body. Consequently, it won’t pass to the baby in utero or through breast milk. Why Trust Verywell Health Sherri Gordon, CLC, has been covering health and social issues for nearly 20 years and has written countless articles with a health focus. Consequently, she is well versed and knowledgeable about a number of health conditions—including gastrointestinal issues—that can impact our everyday lives. To make her product recommendations, Sherri carefully considers medical research and doctor recommendations. This approach adds a layer of detail that ensures readers can choose what is right for them and still understand the medical significance behind it. 8 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. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms and causes of gas in the digestive tract. 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 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Diseases. Definition and facts for lactose intolerance. MedlinePlus. Bismuth subsalicylate. MedlinePlus. Calcium carbonate. MedlinePlus. Activated charcoal. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute medical position statement on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006;131(1):278-282. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2006.04.048 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