Usage
This combination medication is prescribed for the symptomatic relief of gastrointestinal discomfort, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (to relieve abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating), dyspepsia (indigestion) (to manage symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and nausea), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (to reduce heartburn and acid reflux), peptic ulcers (to provide pain relief and support healing—in conjunction with other medications), and flatulence (to reduce excessive gas and bloating).
Its pharmacological classifications are: dicyclomine: anticholinergic, antispasmodic; magaldrate: antacid; and simethicone: anti-foaming agent.
The mechanism of action involves dicyclomine relaxing smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, thereby reducing spasms and cramping; magaldrate neutralizing excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and acid indigestion; and simethicone reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive system, allowing them to coalesce and be expelled more easily.
Alternate Names
This combination medication may be available under various brand names. Some examples are Magnate D Suspension, Magnate P Paediatric Suspension, Spascrom D Tablet, and Speucid Forte Tablet. No widely recognized international non-proprietary name (INN) exists for this specific combination.
How It Works
Pharmacodynamics: Dicyclomine acts as an antispasmodic, reducing gastrointestinal motility and spasms. Magaldrate neutralizes gastric acid, relieving heartburn and indigestion. Simethicone reduces gas bubble surface tension, facilitating their passage.
Pharmacokinetics: Dicyclomine is well-absorbed orally, metabolized in the liver, and primarily excreted in urine. Magaldrate acts locally in the GI tract and is not significantly absorbed. Simethicone is not absorbed and is eliminated in feces.
Mode of Action: Dicyclomine competitively inhibits the actions of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, particularly in the GI tract. Magaldrate reacts chemically with gastric acid, forming magnesium and aluminum chloride salts and water. Simethicone alters the surface tension of gas bubbles, allowing them to combine.
Receptor Binding/Enzyme Inhibition/Neurotransmitter Modulation: Dicyclomine acts as a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Magaldrate does not involve receptor binding, enzyme inhibition, or neurotransmitter modulation. Simethicone does not interact with receptors, enzymes, or neurotransmitters.
Elimination Pathways: Dicyclomine is primarily eliminated via renal excretion. Magaldrate, largely unabsorbed, is eliminated in the feces. Simethicone is excreted unchanged in the feces.
Dosage
Dosage information for this specific combination (Dicyclomine + Magaldrate + Simethicone without Oxethazaine) is limited. Dosage guidelines are primarily available for combinations including oxethazaine, and these should not be considered interchangeable. Consult a physician for appropriate dosing.
Standard Dosage
Due to the lack of specific dosing information for this combination, providing standard dosage guidelines is not possible. Consult a physician or refer to the specific product information for appropriate dosing.
Adults:
Consult a physician.
Children:
Consult a physician. Pediatric dosing for this specific combination is not well-defined, and use in children should be under strict medical supervision.
Special Cases:
Consult a physician for dose adjustments in elderly patients, patients with renal/hepatic impairment, and those with comorbid conditions.
Clinical Use Cases
Dosage recommendations for specific clinical settings (intubation, surgical procedures, mechanical ventilation, ICU use, emergency situations) for this specific drug combination are not available. Dosage must be determined on a case-by-case basis by a physician, considering the patient’s condition and other factors.
Dosage Adjustments
Dose modifications based on patient-specific factors (renal/hepatic dysfunction, metabolic disorders, or genetic polymorphisms) should be determined by a physician.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, constipation.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Angioedema, apnea, confusion, memory problems, hallucinations.
Long-Term Effects
Limited information. Prolonged antacid use may cause electrolyte imbalances and rebound acidity. Chronic anticholinergic use may lead to cognitive impairment.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)
Any unusual or severe reaction should be reported immediately.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component; gastrointestinal obstruction; severe ulcerative colitis; toxic megacolon; unstable cardiovascular status; severe myasthenia gravis; glaucoma (especially angle-closure); obstructive uropathy.
Drug Interactions
Antacids can affect drug absorption; take other medications 1–2 hours apart. Avoid alcohol. Anticholinergics may exacerbate anticholinergic effects. CNS depressants may increase drowsiness. Drugs affecting GI motility may antagonize dicyclomine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult a physician before use. Safety is not fully established.
Drug Profile Summary
Refer to individual sections for this information, as a specific profile summary for this combination is not readily available. Dosage, monitoring parameters, and other aspects should be determined in consultation with a physician based on individual patient needs.
Popular Combinations
Information specific to common combinations with this formulation is limited. This combination itself is intended to address multiple aspects of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Precautions
General precautions: pre-screening for allergies, metabolic disorders, organ dysfunction. Specific populations: consult a physician for pregnancy/breastfeeding, children/elderly use, and other special cases. Lifestyle: avoid alcohol, and consider driving restrictions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the recommended dosage for Dicyclomine + Magaldrate + Simethicone?
A: Consult a physician as there is no standard dosage available without oxethazaine in the combination.
Q2: What are the primary uses of this combination?
A: This combination is used to relieve symptoms of IBS, dyspepsia, GERD, peptic ulcers, and flatulence.
Q3: What are the key contraindications for this medication?
A: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to any component, GI obstruction, severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, unstable cardiovascular status, severe myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, and obstructive uropathy.
Q4: How does this drug combination work?
A: Dicyclomine reduces spasms, magaldrate neutralizes acid, and simethicone breaks down gas bubbles.
Q5: What are the common side effects?
A: Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, and constipation.
Q6: Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
A: Yes, it can interact with antacids, anticholinergics, CNS depressants, medications affecting GI motility, and alcohol.
Q7: Can this combination be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Consult a physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding as safety is not fully established.
Q8: What precautions should be taken in elderly patients?
A: Renal function should be monitored due to potential decreased clearance in elderly patients. Consult a physician for dose adjustment.
Q9: How should this medication be taken?
A: Administration and timing should be determined in consultation with a physician.
Q10: Are there any long-term effects of using this medication?
A: Prolonged antacid use may cause electrolyte imbalances and rebound acidity. Chronic anticholinergic use may lead to cognitive impairment. Consult with a doctor regarding any long-term effects.