Magaldrate+simethicone
About Magaldrate+simethicone
Magaldrate+simethicone belongs to a group of medicines called antacids & antiulcerants used to treat acidity, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and gas. The stomach is usually protected from the acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excessive acid production, the mucous layer becomes eroded, leading to complications such as acidity and heartburn. Bloating occurs when the abdomen is filled with gas or air.
Magaldrate+simethicone is a combination of two drugs: Magaldrate (antacid) and Simethicone (anti-flatulent). Magaldrate works by neutralising excess stomach acid. Simethicone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitating the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents the accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract.
You are advised to take Magaldrate+simethicone for as long as your doctor has suggested it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, and intestinal pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Avoid taking aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids with Magaldrate+simethicone. Aluminium-containing antacids, along with Magaldrate+simethicone, could lead to constipation and intestinal obstruction, whereas magnesium-containing antacids might cause diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Magaldrate+simethicone. Magaldrate+simethicone should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Magaldrate+simethicone as it could lead to increased acidity.
Uses of Magaldrate+simethicone
• Treatment of acidity and heartburn: Magaldrate+simethicone helps reduce excess stomach acid, providing relief from burning sensation in the chest and sour taste in the mouth.
• Relief from bloating and gas: Magaldrate+simethicone helps in easing abdominal fullness and discomfort caused by gas accumulation.
• Management of indigestion: Magaldrate+simethicone supports better digestion and alleviates symptoms like stomach discomfort, heaviness, and nausea after meals.
Medicinal Benefits
Magaldrate+simethicone belongs to a group of medicines called antacids and antiulcerants, used to treat acidity, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and gas. Magaldrate+simethicone is a combination of two drugs: Magaldrate (antacid) and Simethicone (anti-flatulent). Magaldrate works by neutralising excess stomach acid. Simethicone is a mixture of silica gel and dimethicone. It is also known as activated dimethicone. Simethicone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitating the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents the accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract.
Directions for Use
- Magaldrate+simethicone can be taken after food, or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Tablet: Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- For chewable tablet: Place it in your mouth, chew it thoroughly until it is broken down into small pieces, and then swallow it.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Magaldrate+simethicone
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Intestinal pain
Drug Warnings
Do not take Magaldrate+simethicone if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Magaldrate+simethicone if you have a history of appendicitis, blockage of the bowel, rectal bleeding, kidney problems, if you are on a low-magnesium diet, or if you have undergone recent bowel surgery. Avoid taking aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids with Magaldrate+simethicone. Aluminium-containing antacids, along with Magaldrate+simethicone, could lead to constipation and intestinal obstruction, whereas magnesium-containing antacids might cause diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Magaldrate+simethicone should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Magaldrate+simethicone as it could lead to increased acidity.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Magaldrate+simethicone may interact with anti-hypertensives (Ramipril), hormones (levothyroxine), anti-convulsants (phenytoin), and antacids (aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Magaldrate+simethicone. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionInform your doctor before taking Magaldrate+simethicone if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Magaldrate+simethicone; your doctor will decide whether Magaldrate+simethicone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safe if suggestedMagaldrate+simethicone usually does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Magaldrate+simethicone if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Magaldrate+simethicone if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Children
unsafeThe Magaldrate+simethicone should not be given to children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid backflow.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
- Practice relaxation techniques and reduce stress by incorporating yoga or meditation into your daily routine.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat foods, spicy foods, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes, onions, garlic, tea, and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a 5-minute break every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity (Hyperacidity): A condition where the stomach produces too much acid, leading to symptoms like a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), sour burps, and discomfort.
Heartburn: A burning pain or discomfort felt in the chest, usually after eating, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the food pipe (oesophagus).
Indigestion (Dyspepsia): A general term for discomfort in the upper abdomen, including feelings of fullness, bloating, and nausea after eating.
Bloating: A condition where the stomach feels swollen or full due to gas buildup or slow digestion.
Gas (Flatulence): The presence of excess gas in the digestive tract that may lead to belching, bloating, or passing gas.
FAQs
Magaldrate+simethicone is commonly used to relieve digestive issues such as acidity, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and gas. It works by neutralizing excess stomach acid and reducing gas buildup, easing symptoms like chest burning, abdominal discomfort, and fullness. This helps improve digestion and provides quick relief from stomach-related discomfort.
Magaldrate+simethicone is a combination of two drugs: Magaldrate (antacid) and Simethicone (anti-flatulent). Magaldrate works by neutralising excess stomach acid. Simethicone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, thereby facilitates the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better even after taking Magaldrate+simethicone for 14 days. Do not take Magaldrate+simethicone for longer durations unless suggested by the doctor.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Magaldrate+simethicone. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acidity. Raise the head of the bed 10-20 cm by placing a pillow so that the head and chest are positioned above the waist. This prevents acid reflux.
Avoid taking aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids with Magaldrate+simethicone. Aluminium-containing antacids, along with Magaldrate+simethicone, could lead to constipation and intestinal obstruction, whereas magnesium-containing antacids might cause diarrhoea.
Magaldrate+simethicone may cause side effects such as muscle cramps, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult the doctor.
