Magaldrate+simethicone
About
Magaldrate+simethicone belongs to a group of medicines called antacids & anti-ulcerants 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 excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like 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.
Take Magaldrate+simethicone with or without food. 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 talk to 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. 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
Medicinal Benefits
Magaldrate+simethicone belongs to a group of medicines called antacids, anti ulcerants 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 facilitates the expulsion of gas through flatus or belching (burping). It also prevents accumulation and formation of gas in the digestive tract.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Magaldrate+simethicone
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Intestinal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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 have interaction with anti-hypertensive (Ramipril), hormone (levothyroxine), anti-convulsant (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 increases acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor, and there is no substantial research yet on the use of Magaldrate+simethicone in pregnancy. 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 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
unsafeMagaldrate+simethicone 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 increasing acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid backflow.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- 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 5 minutes every hour by doing brisk walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
The stomach is usually protected from the 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. Indigestion is the feeling of fullness. It occurs due to slow gastric emptying. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Bloating occurs when the abdomen is filled with gas or air. Flatulence occurs when gas collects inside the digestive system.
FAQs
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 14days. 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 10-20cm 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 Magaldrate+simethicone. Aluminium containing antacids along with Magaldrate+simethicone could lead to constipation and intestinal obstruction, whereas magnesium-containing antacids might cause diarrhoea.
