About Digene Gel
Digene Gel contains Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide + Simethicone. This is an antacid combination with an anti-gas ingredient. Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide neutralise extra stomach acid, and simethicone helps break up gas bubbles. It is used for short-term relief of acidity, heartburn, indigestion and bloating.
Uses of Digene Gel
- Acidity and heartburn
- Indigestion and upset stomach
- Gas, bloating and a feeling of fullness
Benefits
In acidity and heartburn
It neutralises stomach acid quickly, which eases burning in the chest or upper stomach.
In gas and bloating
Simethicone helps small gas bubbles join together so they can be passed more easily, which eases bloating and discomfort.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. The aluminium part can cause constipation and the magnesium part can cause loose stools.
Common
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Chalky taste
Get medical help if you notice
- Black stools, vomiting blood or severe stomach pain — these need a doctor, not an antacid; seek medical help
- Muscle weakness, drowsiness or confusion in people with kidney disease (build-up of magnesium or aluminium) — contact your doctor
How to use
Shake the bottle well before use. Take it as your doctor or the label advises, usually after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Use the measuring cup provided. Do not use it for more than two weeks without asking a doctor.
How it works
Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are bases that react with stomach acid and neutralise it. Simethicone lowers the surface tension of gas bubbles so they join and are passed more easily.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known, but alcohol can increase stomach acid and make acidity worse. It is best avoided.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Antacids are sometimes used for heartburn in pregnancy, but ask your doctor before using this product.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Caution
Aluminium and magnesium can build up in people with kidney disease. Ask your doctor before using it, and avoid it in severe kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
It is usually taken when needed. If your doctor has prescribed regular doses and you miss one, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Shake the bottle well before each dose.
- Keep it at least two hours apart from other medicines, as it can stop them being absorbed.
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than two weeks, keep coming back, or you have weight loss or difficulty swallowing.
- Eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night meals can also ease acidity.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Metal hydroxides (aluminium, magnesium) + silicone antifoaming agent
- Therapeutic class
- Gastrointestinal
- Action class
- Antacid + antiflatulent
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics such as tetracyclines, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin | The antacid reduces their absorption; take them at least two hours apart |
| Iron tablets and thyroid medicine (levothyroxine) | Absorption may be reduced; keep doses apart |
| Digoxin and some antifungals such as ketoconazole | Absorption may be reduced; ask your pharmacist about timing |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simethicone product labelling (CDSCO-approved); NICE BNF: antacids). Pharmacist review pending.