alpha-galactosidase and simethicone

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

alpha-Galactosidase: 

• Action: alpha galactosidase is an enzyme that helps break down complex carbohydrates, specifically oligosaccharides, which are found in foods like beans, lentils, and certain vegetables. It works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of these carbohydrates into simpler sugars that can be easily digested. 
• Spectrum: alpha galactosidase is primarily used to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and gas caused by the consumption of foods rich in oligosaccharides. By aiding in the digestion of these complex carbohydrates, it can reduce bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort associated with these foods. 

simethicone: 

• Action: simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that works by breaking down gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines. It does not affect the production or elimination of gas but rather facilitates the dispersion of gas bubbles, making it easier for the body to expel gas. 
• Spectrum: simethicone is used to relieve symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract, including bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. It does not address the underlying cause of gas production but provides relief from the discomfort associated with trapped gas. simethicone is commonly found in over-the-counter antacid and anti-gas medications and is often used as a short-term remedy for gas-related symptoms. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Nausea 

Bloating 

Diarrhea 

Heartburn 

Constipation 

Gas 

Vomiting 

Headache 

Dizziness 

Muscle pain 

Itching 

Hives 

Difficulty in breathing 

Rash 

Fever 

Stomach pain 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There were no specific black box warnings associated with the combination of alpha-galactosidase and simethicone. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to alpha-galactosidase, simethicone, or any of the other ingredients in the medication should not take this combination. 
• Severe Gastrointestinal Conditions: If you have a severe gastrointestinal condition or disorder, such as a bowel obstruction or perforation, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this combination. These conditions may require specific treatments, and these medications may not be appropriate. 
• Phenylketonuria (PKU): Some products containing simethicone may contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. People with PKU, a rare genetic disorder, should be cautious when using products with aspartame. 
• Children and Infants: Dosage and safety considerations may vary for children and infants. It is essential to follow the dosing instructions provided by a healthcare provider or the product labelling.

Caution: 

• Postoperative Recovery: After certain types of abdominal surgery, patients may experience gas-related discomfort. The combination of alpha-galactosidase and simethicone may be used during the postoperative period to ease these symptoms. 
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like functional dyspepsia or functional bloating are characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms without clear structural abnormalities. alpha-galactosidase and simethicone may be used to relieve some of these symptoms. 
• Duration of Use: alpha-galactosidase and simethicone are safe for short-term use to relieve acute symptoms. Prolonged or excessive use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Comorbidities: 

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. alpha-galactosidase and simethicone may help alleviate some of these symptoms. 
• Lactose Intolerance: lactose intolerance may use alpha-galactosidase supplements to help digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. simethicone can be used alongside this for gas-related symptoms. 
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although not a direct treatment for GERD, simethicone may help relieve some of the discomfort associated with excess gas production in the stomach. 
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): In individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, gas and bloating can be common symptoms during flare-ups. While these conditions require more specific treatments, simethicone might help alleviate some of the discomfort. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• <b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The combination of alpha-galactosidase and simethicone is used to address gastrointestinal discomfort caused by gas and bloating. alpha-galactosidase aids in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, particularly those found in foods like beans and legumes, which can produce gas when not properly digested.

Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that helps break down gas bubbles, allowing for easier passage of gas and reducing bloating. Together, these components work synergistically to relieve the symptoms associated with excessive gas production in the digestive tract. This combination is available in various over-the-counter products and is well-tolerated when used as directed for temporary relief of gas-related discomfort.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• alpha-Galactosidase: This enzyme aids in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, particularly oligosaccharides found in certain foods like beans, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables. These carbohydrates are typically indigestible by human enzymes and may lead to the gas production in the digestive tract. alpha-galactosidase works by breaking down these complex sugars into simpler, more digestible forms, reducing the gas produced during fermentation by gut bacteria. 
• simethicone: simethicone is an anti-foaming agent. It works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines. This reduction in surface tension allows smaller gas bubbles to combine into larger ones, making it easier for the body to expel gas. simethicone does not affect the gas’s volume or production but helps alleviate symptoms by promoting the release of trapped gas. 

In combination, these two components address gas-related discomfort by reducing the formation of gas and facilitating the passage of existing gas, providing relief from bloating and gas pain. This combination is often found in over-the-counter medications designed to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms associated with excessive gas.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

• alpha-Galactosidase: This enzyme is taken orally as part of dietary supplements or medications. It primarily acts in the gastrointestinal tract to break down complex carbohydrates. It is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. 
• simethicone: simethicone is also administered orally. It does not get absorbed into the bloodstream and acts directly within the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

• Neither alpha-galactosidase nor simethicone is distributed throughout the body to a significant extent. They primarily remain within the gastrointestinal tract, where they exert their effects on gas and bloating. 

Metabolism 

• Both alpha-galactosidase and simethicone are not metabolized in the body. They retain their enzymatic and anti-foaming properties, respectively, throughout their passage in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Elimination and excretion 

• Since these substances are not absorbed into the bloodstream, they are not subject to renal or hepatic excretion. Instead, they are excreted from the body via feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage: The dosage instructions provided on the product label. Dosages can vary, so it is essential to use the product as recommended. 
• Timing: It is usually recommended to take alpha-galactosidase and simethicone supplements with meals or immediately before meals. This timing helps the enzymes break down complex carbohydrates in the food and reduce gas and bloating. 
• Consistency: Take the supplement consistently as prescribed or as indicated on the label. Consistency is essential for managing gastrointestinal symptoms effectively. 
• Duration: The duration of use may vary depending on the reason for taking the combination. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding the duration of treatment. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: alpha-galactosidase and simethicone 

Pronounced: (AL-fuh-guh-LAK-tuh-sayd-and- sih-METH-uh-kohn)  

Why do we use alpha-galactosidase and simethicone? 

This combination is often used to alleviate the symptoms of excess gas and abdominal bloating, particularly when they are associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or dietary factors. It can help manage flatulence (passing gas) by breaking down complex carbohydrates in the digestive system, making them easier to digest and reducing the gas produced during the process.

alpha galactosidase is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of complex carbohydrates found in foods like beans, lentils, and certain vegetables. It helps individuals who may have difficulty digesting these foods and experience gas and bloating as a result.