Digestine Capsule Uses

Digestine tablet is a medication that is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders related to slow gastric emptying or impaired movement of the upper digestive tract. Following are some approved and off-label uses of Digestine Capsules:

Approved Uses

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Digestine can be used to relieve symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation. It increases the movement of the stomach muscles, which helps to reduce the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
2. Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents. Digestine tablets can help improve gastric motility and reduce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and early satiety in patients with gastroparesis.
3. Nausea and Vomiting: Digestine tablet is commonly used to manage nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, postoperative recovery, and certain medical conditions.
4. Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Digestine tablet may be used as an adjunct medication in combination with other antiemetic drugs to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Off-label Uses of Digestine Capsule

1. Diabetic Gastroparesis: While gastroparesis is an approved indication for Digestine tablets, its use specifically in diabetic gastroparesis is considered off-label. Diabetic gastroparesis is a condition where stomach emptying is delayed due to nerve damage from diabetes.
2. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: Digestine tablets may be used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). It can help stimulate gastric emptying and reduce the occurrence of PONV in surgical patients.
3. Refractory Migraine: In some cases, Digestine tablets may be used as an adjunct treatment for refractory migraines. It may help alleviate associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants: Digestine tablets may be used to manage gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants who have not responded to conservative measures. It can help improve gastric emptying and reduce reflux symptoms.
5. Hiccups: Digestine tablets can also used for the treatment of persistent hiccups (hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours). It is thought to work by affecting the central nervous system and altering the reflex pathway associated with hiccups.

Digestine is one of the leading brands of Metoclopramide (HCl), manufactured and marketed by S.J. & G. Fazul Ellahie (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan.

Below are some available similar brands that can be used as an alternative to Digestine:

• Maxolon : GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
• Metoclon : Indus Pharma (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
• Metomide : Consolidated Chemical Laboratories. Pakistan
• Mediclop : Global Pharmaceuticals. Pakistan
• Gastrolon : Efroze Chemical Industries (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
• Metwil : Wilshire Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
• Unexolone : Unexo Labs (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
• Clopan : Siza International (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
• Gastrusil : Pakistan Pharmaceutical Products (Pvt) Ltd.
• Metoclop : Munawar Pharma (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
• Metolon : Mediceena Pharma (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan

Presently, Digestine is available in only Capsule Form with the following strength.

Digestine Capsule : 40mg strength.

Despite the potential benefits of Digestine uses discussed above, there are several contraindications that must be taken into consideration before beginning a course of treatment:

Gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation: Digestine is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. It stimulates gastrointestinal motility, which could potentially worsen these conditions or lead to complications.

Pheochromocytoma: Digestine is contraindicated in individuals with a known or suspected pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland tumor. The medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, and in the presence of pheochromocytoma, it may provoke a hypertensive crisis.

History of tardive dyskinesia or dystonia: Digestine is contraindicated in patients with a history of tardive dyskinesia or dystonia, as it can worsen these movement disorders or increase the risk of their occurrence. Tardive dyskinesia is a condition characterized by involuntary movements, typically involving the face and tongue.

Hypersensitivity: Digestine is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Digestine or any of its components. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe reactions requiring immediate medical attention.

Prolactin-releasing pituitary tumor (prolactinoma): Digestine is contraindicated in individuals with a prolactin-releasing pituitary tumor, known as prolactinoma. The medication can further increase prolactin levels, potentially exacerbating the condition.

Seizure disorders: Digestine should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorders, as it may lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures. In some cases, it may be contraindicated depending on the severity and control of the seizures.

Diagestine Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

• One capsule once daily
• 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.
• The maximum recommended daily dose is 60 mg.

Digestine Dose for Gastroparesis:

• One capsule once daily
• 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.
• The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg.

Digestine Dose for Nausea and Vomiting:

• The dose is depending on the severity of symptoms.
• One Capsule Once Daily, with subsequent doses adjusted as needed.
• The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg.

Digestine Dose for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting:

• The recommended adult dose of metoclopramide for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may vary depending on the specific chemotherapy regimen. It is typically taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy treatment. The dosage and frequency will be determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.

Digestine acts as a dopamine receptor antagonist, specifically targeting the dopamine D2 receptors. By blocking these receptors, metoclopramide inhibits the inhibitory effect of dopamine on the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the GI tract. This leads to increased motility and enhanced coordination of gastric and intestinal movements.

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Digestine Side Effects