Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone
About Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone
Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone is a medicine that contains alpha-galactosidase and simethicone. It is used to help prevent and relieve gas, bloating, abdominal fullness, and discomfort caused by excess gas in the digestive system, particularly after eating certain gas-producing foods.
This medicine works by helping digest certain carbohydrates (types of sugars) found in foods such as beans, lentils, vegetables, and whole grains, while also helping trapped gas pass more easily. It is most effective when taken with the first bite of a meal that is likely to cause gas. Following a balanced diet and identifying foods that trigger your symptoms may also help improve digestive comfort.
Most people tolerate this medicine well. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Mild stomach upset, nausea, or temporary changes in bowel habits may occur in some people and are usually short-lived. Consult your doctor right away if you develop swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash, as these may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Before taking Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone, tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal blockage, severe digestive disorders, or if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. People with galactosaemia (a rare inherited condition in which the body cannot properly process galactose, a type of sugar) should only use this medicine if advised by their doctor.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, an older adult, or if this medicine is intended for a child, ask your doctor whether this medicine is suitable. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines and supplements you are taking so they can check for any potential interactions.
Uses of Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone
Medicinal Benefits
When used as directed as part of your treatment plan, Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone may provide the following benefits:
- Helps reduce gas: Helps reduce excess gas in the stomach and intestines, making you feel more comfortable.
- Relieves bloating and fullness: Helps ease bloating, abdominal fullness, pressure, and discomfort caused by trapped gas.
- Helps reduce flatulence: Helps reduce gas build-up, making it easier to pass gas naturally.
- Supports easier digestion of certain foods: Helps improve digestive comfort after eating foods such as beans, lentils, vegetables, and whole grains that may cause gas in some people.
- Supports everyday comfort: May help you enjoy your meals with less discomfort from gas and bloating.
Directions for Use
- It is recommended to take Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone after meals at bedtime, or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Swallow Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew or break Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone.
Storage
Side Effects of Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild stomach upset or nausea
- Temporary changes in bowel movements (such as mild diarrhoea or constipation)
- Mild abdominal discomfort
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Severe dizziness or trouble breathing
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the packaging: Always inspect the blister pack or bottle before use; do not take the medication if the seal is broken or if the tablets look damaged.
- Time it right: This medicine works best when taken with food, not after you have already finished eating and feel bloated.
- Monitor blood sugar if diabetic: One of the active components breaks down complex sugars into simple sugars. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor as this could theoretically have a minor impact on your blood sugar levels.
- Review your medications: Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other supplements or medications you are taking to ensure there are no overlapping digestive aids.
- Stop use if symptoms persist: If your bloating, gas, or pain does not improve after a few days, or if it gets worse, stop taking it and consult your doctor to rule out more serious gastrointestinal conditions.
Drug Interactions
- Other digestive enzyme products: Taking multiple digestive enzyme supplements together may provide no additional benefit and could increase the likelihood of digestive side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all digestive products and supplements you are taking.
- Other medicines: No clinically significant interactions are known for this combination. However, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all suggested medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking before starting treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may result in increased bloating. Hence, avoiding alcohol while you are being treated with Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone is recommended.
Pregnancy
cautionAlpha Galactosidase+simethicone should be used during pregnancy only when suggested by a doctor. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy consult your doctor before starting the use of Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone is excreted into the breast milk or not. If you are a breastfeeding mother, please consult your doctor before taking Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone.
Driving
safe if suggestedDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience discomfort while using Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone until you feel better.
Liver
cautionPlease take Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone with caution if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionPlease take Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone with caution if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
cautionYour doctor will decide the dose based on your child's age and body weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat and drink slowly: Swallowing air is a major cause of gas. Chew your food thoroughly and avoid gulping down liquids.
- Identify trigger foods: Keep a food diary to track which foods (such as beans, onions, cabbage, carbonated beverages, or dairy) cause you the most discomfort.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum: These introduce extra air into your digestive tract, leading to increased bloating and burping.
- Stay active after meals: A short, light walk after eating can help stimulate your digestive system and help gas move through your body more quickly.
- Cook gas-producing foods thoroughly: Soaking beans before cooking and thoroughly steaming vegetables can help break down some of the tough fibres before they even reach your plate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Gas is the build-up of air in the digestive tract that leads to abdominal discomfort. It is caused due to overeating, swallowing more amount of air, smoking, and foods that cause excess gas like beans, lentils, dairy products, and carbonated drinks. Symptoms include belching/burping, stomach cramps, increased abdomen size, and chest pain.
Bloating is the swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen due to gas in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms of bloating include stomach pain, discomfort, and gas. Bloating makes a person burp or belch. It is usually caused due to problem foods that produce more gas and lactose intolerance.
FAQs
Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone belongs to the class of 'digestive enzymes' primarily used to treat gas, bloating, and stomach pain. Gas is the build-up of air in the digestive tract. Bloating is the swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen due to gas in the stomach and intestines.
Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone contains Alpha Galactosidase and Simethicone. It promotes digestion by breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into simpler forms. It further facilitates gas expulsion through belching/burping, thus treating gas and bloating.
Please let your doctor know if you have a history of liver/kidney diseases, allergic reactions to medicines, diabetes, swallowing problems, frequent alcohol use, dehydration, and stomach disorders before starting Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone.
Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone is used to treat gas and bloating. It includes a digestive enzyme that enhances the digestion process. However, your doctor may advise you to take other digestive medicines depending on your medical condition.
Do not stop using Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone even if you feel better until your doctor says the course is finished. Your symptoms may improve, but the disease may not be cured completely.
Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone contains Simethicone, which can decrease the absorption of levothyroxine; hence it is advised to take the thyroid medication at least four hours before or after taking Alpha Galactosidase+simethicone. Please seek medical advice for more information.
Yes, this medicine can be taken daily with meals that normally cause you gas or bloating. However, if you find you need to use it constantly for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure there is no underlying digestive condition.
For maximum effectiveness, you should take this medicine with your very first bite of food. Taking it after a meal is much less effective because the gas-producing sugars will have already started to ferment in your gut. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
While it is uncommon, some people may experience mild changes in bowel habits, including mild diarrhoea, when first starting this medicine. This is usually temporary. If you experience severe or ongoing diarrhoea, stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor.
Since this medication helps break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, it could theoretically cause a very minor increase in blood sugar. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine to determine if you need to monitor your blood sugar more closely.
There is limited clinical data on the use of this combination during pregnancy. Although the ingredients act locally in the gut and are generally not absorbed into the bloodstream, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any new medication while pregnant.
The safety and dosage of this medicine for children depend on their age and weight. Do not give this medicine to children without first consulting a paediatrician or pharmacist for specific guidance.
Generally, yes. There are no well-established interactions between this medicine and antacids or most medicines used to treat acid reflux. However, if you take multiple medicines or have an underlying digestive condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Always tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements you are taking to help avoid potential interactions.
If your bloating and gas do not improve, or if they are accompanied by severe pain, fever, weight loss, or blood in your stool, stop using the product immediately. These could be signs of a more serious underlying medical condition, so you should talk to your doctor right away.
Author Details
