Dimethicone+magaldrate
About
Dimethicone+magaldrate belongs to a group of medicines called antacids, antiulcerants used to treat acidity, bloating, indigestion, heartburn and stomach upset. The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like acidity and heartburn.
Dimethicone+magaldrate is a combination of two drugs: Magaldrate (antacid) and Dimethicone (anti-flatulent). Magaldrate works by neutralising excess stomach acid. Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone+magaldrate 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 talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Dimethicone+magaldrate if you have kidney problems, intestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, blockage in the stomach or intestines, Alzheimer's dementia (impairment of memory), colostomy or ileostomy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dimethicone+magaldrate should not be given to children as the safety have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Dimethicone+magaldrate as it could lead to increased acidity.
Uses of Dimethicone+magaldrate
Medicinal Benefits
Dimethicone+magaldrate belongs to a group of medicines called antacids, antiulcerants used to treat acidity, bloating, indigestion, heartburn and gas. Dimethicone+magaldrate is a combination of two drugs: Magaldrate (antacid) and Dimethicone (anti-flatulent). Magaldrate works by neutralising excess stomach acid. Dimethicone 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
Storage
Side Effects of Dimethicone+magaldrate
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Brittle bones
- Loss of appetite
- Intestinal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Dimethicone+magaldrate if you are allergic to Dimethicone+magaldrate or any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Dimethicone+magaldrate if you have kidney problems, intestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, blockage in the stomach or intestines, Alzheimer's dementia (impairment of memory), colostomy or ileostomy. Avoid taking aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids with Dimethicone+magaldrate. Aluminium-containing antacids, along with Dimethicone+magaldrate could lead to constipation and intestinal obstruction, whereas magnesium-containing antacids might cause diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dimethicone+magaldrate should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Dimethicone+magaldrate as it could lead to increased acidity.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dimethicone+magaldrate may interact with statins (rosuvastatin), antacids (aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide), antibiotics (nitrofurantoin, isoniazid), antipsychotic (Chlorpromazine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin), antiparkinson (levodopa)
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 constipation, diarrhoea and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Dimethicone+magaldrate. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Dimethicone+magaldrate 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 Dimethicone+magaldrate, your doctor will decide whether Dimethicone+magaldrate can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safe if suggestedDimethicone+magaldrate does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Dimethicone+magaldrate if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Dimethicone+magaldrate if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeDimethicone+magaldrate should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not 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 increases acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen leading to acid reflux.
- Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat food, spicy food, chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
Dimethicone+magaldrate contains magaldrate, which might affect test results of X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan taken using radioactive dye. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Dimethicone+magaldrate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like acidity. Due to this, acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth and difficulty swallowing. Flatulence and bloating occur due to the accumulation of gas or air in the digestive system.
FAQs
Dimethicone+magaldrate contains Magaldrate and Dimethicone. Magaldrate works by neutralising excess stomach acid. Dimethicone 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.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better even after taking Dimethicone+magaldrate for 14 days. Do not take Dimethicone+magaldrate for longer durations unless suggested by the doctor.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Dimethicone+magaldrate. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe 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 10-20cm by putting a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This prevents acid reflux.
Avoid taking aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids with Dimethicone+magaldrate. Aluminium-containing antacids, along with Dimethicone+magaldrate could lead to constipation and intestinal obstruction, whereas magnesium-containing antacids might cause diarrhoea.
Dimethicone+magaldrate contains magaldrate, which might affect test results of X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan taken using radioactive dye. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Dimethicone+magaldrate.
