Simethicone

Simethicone (CAS 8050-81-5, EC 617-098-1) is a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane and silica, commonly supplied under trade names including Antifoam A, KS 66, and Q 7-2587. It functions as an antifoaming and defoaming agent across pharmaceutical, food processing, and personal care applications.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, simethicone is incorporated into antiflatulent formulations and oral suspensions, where it destabilises gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract by reducing surface tension at the liquid-gas interface. In food and beverage processing, it suppresses foam generated during fermentation, cooking, and filling operations, preventing product loss and equipment fouling.

Simethicone is available in emulsion form and supplied in compliance with Ph.Eur. and FCC monographs, making it suitable for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications. It falls under REACH regulation (EC 617-098-1) and is classified under HS code 3910000000. Packaging formats typically include drums and IBCs for bulk procurement.