Understanding: What is Falcon syrup used for?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Pharmacologically speaking, simethicone, the active ingredient in many over-the-counter gas relief products, is physiologically inert and generally considered safe. However, the product known as 'Falcon syrup' is not a widely recognized pharmaceutical brand, and the query is often a mix-up for 'Flacol syrup,' or other brands containing simethicone or herbal extracts. This guide will clarify what is Falcon syrup used for by explaining the purpose of its most likely substitute, Flacol, which uses simethicone for gas relief.

Quick Summary

The term Falcon syrup often refers to Flacol syrup, a medication containing simethicone to treat excess gas. It relieves symptoms like flatulence, bloating, and abdominal discomfort by breaking down gas bubbles in the digestive tract. It is used in infants for colic and in adults for various gas-related issues. Herbal alternatives may also exist under similar names.

Key Points

Name Clarity: 'Falcon syrup' is likely a confusion for 'Flacol syrup', which is a brand of simethicone, or a less common herbal product.
Primary Function: The main use of Flacol (simethicone) is as an antiflatulent to relieve excess gas, bloating, abdominal distention, and pressure.
How It Works: Simethicone is a defoaming agent that changes the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract, causing them to coalesce and pass more easily.
Infant Use: Pediatric drops containing simethicone, like Flacol, are commonly used for treating infant gas and colic.
General Safety: Simethicone is largely unabsorbed by the body, making it a safe and well-tolerated option for gas relief, but rare allergic reactions can occur.
Differentiating from Cough Syrup: Flacol is for gas, while cough syrups like Cofal address respiratory issues and have different active ingredients.

Clarifying the 'Falcon' vs. 'Flacol' Confusion

The most common product associated with the search for 'Falcon syrup' is 'Flacol' syrup, a brand manufactured by Square Pharmaceuticals. Flacol's active ingredient is simethicone, a well-known antiflatulent medication available over-the-counter in many parts of the world. The similarity in sound is the most likely source of confusion. Another product, 'Falco mix syrup,' which contains herbal ingredients, was also found during research. This article focuses on the pharmacological uses of the simethicone-based Flacol syrup, the probable subject of the search query.

The Primary Use of Flacol (Simethicone) Syrup

At its core, Flacol syrup is an antiflatulent, meaning it works to relieve the painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with excessive gas in the digestive tract. Its primary use is for conditions that cause gas buildup, including:

Flatulence: The accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Abdominal Distention: The swelling of the abdomen due to gas.
Fullness and Pressure: The feeling of being 'stuffed' or bloated.
Windy Colic: Particularly in infants, where gas can cause significant discomfort and crying fits.

How Simethicone Works

Simethicone functions by changing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines. This allows smaller bubbles to coalesce into larger ones, which are easier for the body to pass through belching or flatus (passing gas). It does not prevent gas formation, but rather aids in its elimination, providing rapid and effective relief from bloating and pressure. Because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it has a localized effect and is generally very safe and well-tolerated.

Uses in Infants and Children

Infants often experience gas and colic, which can cause significant distress. Flacol Paediatric drops, which are a form of simethicone, are frequently used to help with these issues. It is important to follow dosing instructions carefully, as they are based on age and weight and should be provided by a healthcare professional.

Pediatric Information (based on Flacol/Simethicone):

Pediatric forms of simethicone are available and are typically administered based on age and weight. It is essential to use the provided dropper and mix the drops with suitable liquids as instructed by a healthcare provider.

Comparison: Flacol (Simethicone) vs. Cough Syrups

It is critical to distinguish between Flacol and other types of syrup, especially those used for coughs, which have different active ingredients and purposes. The following table highlights the differences based on search results for Flacol and cough syrup brand Cofal:


Feature	Flacol (Simethicone)	Cofal (Expectorant/Bronchodilator)
Primary Use	Relieves gas, bloating, and colic	Relieves wet cough associated with bronchial congestion
Active Ingredient	Simethicone	Bromhexine, guaifenesin, terbutaline
Mechanism	Changes surface tension of gas bubbles for easy expulsion	Thins mucus, relaxes airways, and makes coughing up phlegm easier
Targeted Symptoms	Abdominal distention, fullness, gas pain, infant colic	Thick mucus, chest tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing
Dosage Forms	Pediatric drops, tablets	Syrup

Ancillary and Diagnostic Uses

Beyond basic gas relief, simethicone has a couple of less common but important applications:

Bowel Preparation: It can be added to bowel preparation solutions before medical examinations like colonoscopies to improve visibility by reducing foam and gas.
Management of Poisoning: Anecdotally, it has been used as an antifoaming agent in the management of accidental ingestion of foaming detergents.

Side Effects and Precautions

Simethicone is generally well-tolerated and considered physiologically inert. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as:

Mild diarrhea or nausea.
Rarely, allergic reactions which can include rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties. If these occur, immediate medical attention is required.

Precautions:

Guidance on Use: Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional or the product packaging regarding the frequency and amount of medication to use.
Underlying Conditions: If symptoms persist, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Storage: Store the medication in a cool, dry place away from light and out of reach of children.

Conclusion

In summary, the term 'Falcon syrup' almost certainly refers to 'Flacol' syrup, a simethicone-based medication. Its primary use is for the relief of excess gas, bloating, fullness, and abdominal discomfort in both infants and adults. It works by breaking down gas bubbles, allowing for easier passage, and is generally safe with minimal side effects. As with any medication, it's essential to follow instructions and consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms or concerns. When seeking medication for gas, asking for simethicone, not 'Falcon syrup,' is recommended to avoid confusion and ensure you get the correct product.

Visit a reputable medical resource for more information on Simethicone and other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

The product 'Falcon syrup' is not a widely recognized pharmaceutical product and is likely a misnomer for 'Flacol' syrup. You can find Flacol syrup (containing simethicone) or generic simethicone products at pharmacies.

The active ingredient in Flacol syrup is simethicone, an antiflatulent used to treat symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract.

Yes, simethicone products designed for pediatric use, such as Flacol pediatric drops, are commonly used for infants experiencing gas and colic. It is important to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional for appropriate use.

Flacol syrup should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light, and kept out of reach of children. The bottle should be well-closed.

Simethicone is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects, although infrequent, can include mild diarrhea or nausea. Allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.

In most locations, simethicone products, including Flacol, are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.

Flacol, with its active ingredient simethicone, is for treating gas and bloating. Cough syrups, like Cofal, have different active ingredients (e.g., bromhexine, guaifenesin) and are for relieving cough and congestion.