Digene tablet is an antacid which is used to treat constipation, acidity and gas problems. It is usually prescribed to patients suffering from conditions such as esophagitis, gastritis, stomach upset etc. The tablets are manufactured by Abbott.
| Nature of Digene: | Antacid |
| Composition of Digene: | Dried Aluminium Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate Hydrate and Simethicone |
| Uses of Digene: | stomach acid, heartburn, upset stomach, bloating |
| Side-effects of Digene: | constipation, confusion, lack of appetite, unusual tiredness, respiratory toxicity |
| Precautions of Digene | Appendicitis, breastfeeding, dehydration, diarrhoea |
Digene Tablet Uses and Benefits:
Digene is used to treat various disorders of the stomach and esophagus including gas and GERD. The most common uses of Digene tablets are:
- Stomach acidity
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Irritable bowel movement
- Reflex esophagitis
- Excessive Flatulence
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Mild stomach upset
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Acid-based indigestion
- Excessive secretion of stomach acids
- Treating reduced water levels in the intestine
- Treating lower phosphate levels
- Erosive Esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection
- Ulcers in the stomach and small intestines
Digene Tablet Side Effects:
Some of the side effects associated with the consumption of Digene tablets are –
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Altered sense of taste
- Tiredness
- Anorexia
- Skin Rashes
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Pain while urinating
- Asthma
- Mild discomfort in the stomach
- Respiratory discomfort
- Allergic reactions
Common Dosage of Digene:
The most common dosage of Digene is 1 – 4 tablets per day. The dosage may vary depending upon the condition of the patient.
- Missed Dose – Digene is an antacid; therefore if a person misses its dose the medicine will not be able to eliminate the condition. However, if the patient misses the dose it must be taken again as per the schedule. It is advisable to consume Digene after having a meal.
- Overdose – Taking more than the prescribed dose of medicine may lead to severe side effects. A medicine taken in higher doses is not metabolized by the liver and excreted out by the kidneys. It, therefore, leads to drug toxicity. When a patient overdoses on Digene he/she may suffer from side effects such as ataxia, hypoactivity, tremor etc.
Digene Tablet Composition:
Digene tablets belong to a class of antacids. The active ingredients of the medicine are –
- Dried Aluminium Hydroxide
- Magnesium Aluminium Silicate Hydrate
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Simethicone
These components of Digene perform the following functions:
- Neutralize the acid released into the stomach
- Provide relief from flatulence
- Prevent gastroesophageal reflux
Digene Price in India:
| Quantity | Manufacturer | Price |
| 1 strip | Abbott | INR 15 |
How to use Digene?
Digene tablets must be administered orally after taking a meal.The patients can simply chew Digene or keep it in the mouth until it dissolves completely
How Digene tablet Works?
Digene acts as a weak base and raises the pH of the gastric contents to above 3.5. This action of Digene lowers acidity and relieves muscle spasm thereby, providing relief in pain in conditions such as gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Mechanism of individual components –
- Aluminum Hydroxide : It is a non-systemic gastric antacid. It binds with phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract to inactivate pepsin and neutralize gastric acid. This action provides relief from symptoms associated with stomach ulcers and hyperacidity.
- Magnesium Hydroxide : This compound has a laxative effect and is slightly alkaline in nature.
- Simethicone : Simethicone acts by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles thereby facilitating their expulsion. The Drug also prevents the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract.
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydrate : Magnesium aluminium silicate hydrate neutralizes excess acid present in the stomach to eliminate the symptoms such as acid indigestion, heartburn or sour stomach.
When is Digene prescribed?
Digene is usually prescribed for the treatment of conditions such as flatulence, indigestion, stomach upset, heartburn etc.
Precautions and Warnings Related To Digene:
The following warnings and precautions must be kept in mind while administering Digene –
- The patients must not consume more than the prescribed dosage even if they do not find instant relief from Digene.
- It is not advisable for the patients suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding to consume Digene tablets.
- It is not advisable for the patients suffering from appendicitis to consume Digene tablets.
- Digene should not be consumed by patients taking medicines for arthritis. This must only be consumed if deemed absolutely necessary by the doctor.
- Caution should be exercised by people who get dehydrated frequently while consuming this drug.
- Digene should not be consumed by patients with blockage in intestines.
- Caution should be exercised by people suffering from hypersensitivity.
- Digene is not recommended for people with a history of frequent diarrhoea and people with a sensitive stomach.
- Digene should be avoided by lactating mothers unless deemed absolutely necessary by a doctor.
- Digene is not suggested for those consuming medication for heart disorders.
- Caution should be exercised by people suffering from heart-related ailments while consuming this medication.
- Patients suffering from alcohol addiction must avoid the use of this medicine.
Digene Substitutes:
The following medications have the same composition and functions of Digene and hence can be used as substitutes:
- Pantoclas Tablets manufactured by Ranbaxy Laboratories
- Pantolup Tablets manufactured by Lupin Limited
- Praize Tablet manufactured by Ipca Laboratories
- Pentozen tablet manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
- Solopan Tablet manufactured by Zydus Cadila
Digene Interactions:
Interactions with Medicines –
Digene may interact with certain medicines to produce adverse side effects. Also, these drug interactions may weaken the strength of the medicine and make it less effective in treating the condition. The below-mentioned drugs must not be consumed along with Digene –
- Acetaminophen
- Ciprofloxacin
- Capecitabine
- Clopidogrel
- Dolutegravir dutrebis
- Esomeprazole magnesium
- Esomeprazole
- Furosemide
- Ipratropium
- Famotidine
- Tetracycline
- Penicillin
- Sulfonamides
- Iron
- Digoxin
- Indomethacin
- Naproxen
- Phenylbutazone
- Quinidine
- Vitamins
Digene Variants:
Following are the variants of the Digene –
- Digene Oral Gel Mint
- Digene Oral Gel Orange
- Digene Tablet Mixed fruit
- Digene Oral Gel Mint
- Digene Oral Gel Mixed fruit
- Digene Pudina Pearls
- Digene Tablet Mint
- Digene Fizz Powder Cola
- Digene Tablet Assorted
- Digene Oral Gel Strawberry
- Digene Oral Gel Orange
Suspension of Digene:
Digene oral gel is a flavoured thick suspension that provides instant relief from gas and acidity. The oral gel contains Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose. This oral suspension aids in providing relief from gastritis, oesophagitis, peptic ulcer etc. Digene oral gel is available in different flavours such as Mint, strawberry, orange and mixed fruit.
Medicines that should not be taken with Digene:
Following are the medicines which should not be co-administered with Digene –
- Indomethacin
- Naproxen
- Phenylbutazone
- Ipratropium
- Digoxin
- Clopidogrel
- Dolutegravir dutrebis
- Quinidine
- Esomeprazole magnesium
- Esomeprazole
- Furosemide
How to store Digene Tablets?
- Digene must be stored at room temperature.
- The tablets must be kept at a place where they cannot retain moisture.
- It is advisable to keep Digene away from the reach of children and pets.
- Digene must be kept away from direct heat and sunlight.
FAQs:
1) How long does it take for Digene tablet to act?
Ans: Improvement in condition can be seen two hours after the consumption of the tablet. The duration of consumption should be recommended by a physician.
2) Is Digene tablet addictive or habit forming?
Ans: No. Digene does not lead to addiction. All addictive drugs are classified under Schedule H or Schedule X in India. Read the content on the product’s packaging to know more about the classification and the type of your drug
3) Can I take Digene tablet at midnight?
Ans: If you have consumed dinner, there is no harm in taking Digene at midnight or any time you feel the discomfort in your stomach. No major side-effects have been reported by patients who consumed Digene post-midnight or on empty stomach.
4) Does Digene tablet have sedative properties?
Ans: No. It does not have sedative properties. However, people have reported tiredness and weakness as side-effects.
5) Does Digene cause any adverse effect on any organs?
Answer – No, the consumption of tablets does not cause any adverse effect on the organs.
6) Does the consumption of Digene tablets cause any allergies?
Ans: Yes, the consumption of Digene tablets may cause allergies such as –
- Rashes
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Itching
- Swelling in the hands, legs, face or throat
7) Do I need to avoid particular food items or beverages while consuming Digene?
Ans: Yes, it is advisable to avoid caffeinated drinks, fatty foods and spices while consuming Digene.
8) Are Digene tablets safe for pregnant women?
Ans: Yes, It is safe to be consumed by pregnant women. Digene is an antacid which may be prescribed to provide relief from heartburn as it is one of the most common problem experience by a pregnant woman. However, it is advised that medicine should only be consumed if prescribed by a doctor.
9) Is Digene safe during breastfeeding?
Ans: Yes, It is an antacid and can be consumed by a lactating mother. It does not pose any potential threat to the baby. The salts present in the drug are absorbed in the bloodstream but do not have a significant impact on breast milk.
10) Can Digene Tablet be used for the treatment of bloating and acid indigestion?
Ans: Yes, bloating and acid indigestion are the two most common conditions for which tablets are consumed.
11) At what frequency should I consume Digene tablet?
Ans: The most common frequency of taking this tablet is one tablet per day. However, the frequency may vary depending upon a patient condition.
12) How should I consume Digene tablet?
Ans: The tablets must be consumed orally and not swallowed. The tablet must be chewed or kept in the mouth until it is completely dissolved.
13) What is the right time to take the Digene tablet?
Ans: It is usually taken after having a meal. However, the patient must consume the medicine as directed by the physician.
14) Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming Digene?
Ans: Yes, it is safe to drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming Digene. This medicine is an antacid and does not cause any drowsiness in the patients. However, if patients experience dizziness, headache or drowsiness after the consumption of this medicine, activities like driving or operating heavy machinery must be avoided. Also, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the side effects remain persistent.
15) Can I stop using this medicine as soon as I see improvement in my condition?
Ans: Digene tablet is readily available as an over the counter drug. Patients may consume it without having a prescription from a doctor and they can stop its consumption as soon as they feel relieved. However, if it is prescribed by a doctor, its consumption must be stopped only after consulting the doctor.
16) Can I consume Digene along with alcohol?
Ans: No, it is not advisable to consume Digene with alcohol, as alcohol causes irritation in the stomach and worsens the condition.
17) Who should not consume Digene Tablet?
Ans: Patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the Digene tablets must not consume the medicine. Also, patients suffering from hypersensitivity are advised not to consume these tablets.
18) What will happen if I take an expired Digene tablet?
Ans: An expired Digene tablet may not be able to able to provide relief from the conditions it is prescribed for. Therefore, it is advised that patients must check the expiry date of Digene prior to consuming it.
19) What will happen if I consume more than the recommended dose of Digene tablet?
Ans: Consuming more than the recommended dose of medicine may do more harm than good to the body. An overdose of Digene tablets may cause severe side effects such as ataxia and tremors. In case an overdose from Digene is suspected, the patients must immediately consult a doctor.
20) Which medicines should not be taken while taking Digene?
Ans: Medicines such as Naproxen, Phenylbutazone, Ipratropium, Digoxin, Clopidogrel Dolutegravir dutrebis must not be consumed along with Digene as they may interact and lead to severe side effects.
21) Which of Digene tablet or syrup is most effective in providing fast relief?
Ans: Liquid antacids are more effective than tablets, therefore, the syrup form of Digene provides a faster relief.
22) Does prolonged use of Digene lead to drug dependency?
Ans: No, the prolonged use of Digene does not cause drug dependency. This is so because the tablet is an over the counter drug and is usually taken only when the symptoms appear.
23) Does the use of Digene tablets provide relief from Flatulence?
Ans: Yes, Digene is very effective in reducing flatulence and related symptoms. Simethicone present in the medicine is a mixture of hydrated silica gel and polydimethylsiloxane. These compounds lessen the discomfort commonly referred to as gas.
24) Is Digene available in suspension form?
Ans: Yes, Digene is available in suspension form. The suspension forms of Digene are also available in various flavours such as strawberry, mint and mixed fruit.
25) What if I miss a dose of Digene?
Ans: If a patient has missed a dose of Digene, let the dose be skipped and take it when the symptoms reappear. However, if it has been prescribed by a doctor, it should be taken in a manner as directed by him.
26) What is the maximum dose that can be taken within 24 hours?
Ans: A patient may take a maximum of four tablets within a duration of 24 hours. However, if it has been prescribed by a doctor it is advisable not to take more or less than the recommended dose.
27) Does Digene cause weight loss?
Ans: No, Digene does not cause weight loss but promotes a healthy digestive system, thereby allowing food to be absorbed in a proper manner.
28) What is Digene tablet used for?
Ans: Digene is used to treat the symptoms associated with too much stomach acid such as acid indigestion, heartburn and stomach upset. It is also used to alleviate symptoms such as bloating, belching, discomfort in the stomach etc. Simethicone present in the medicine helps to eliminate the gas bubbles in the gut.
29) Is Digene good for acid reflux?
Ans: Yes, Digene is usually consumed to provide relief from symptoms associated with acid reflux.
