Digene
Digene is a tablet made by Abbott that contains Aluminium hydroxide 300 mg + Magnesium aluminium silicate 50 mg + Magnesium hydroxide 25 mg + Simethicone 25 mg. It combines Aluminium hydroxide: antacid, Magnesium aluminium silicate: antacid, Magnesium hydroxide: antacid and laxative and Simethicone: anti-gas.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Aluminium hydroxide | 300 mg |
| Magnesium aluminium silicate | 50 mg |
| Magnesium hydroxide | 25 mg |
| Simethicone | 25 mg |
Aluminium hydroxide
What it is used for
Neutralises stomach acid to relieve acidity and heartburn.
How it works
An antacid that neutralises stomach acid within minutes. It tends to cause constipation, so it is usually paired with magnesium hydroxide, which has the opposite effect.
How to take it
Chew tablets or take the liquid 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Chalky taste
- Nausea
Get medical help straight away if
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing or weight loss
- Bone pain or weakness with long use and kidney disease
Be careful
Can cause constipation; separate from other medicines by 2 hours.
Other medicines and interactions
Reduces absorption of many medicines, including iron, ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, tetracyclines, levothyroxine, digoxin and fexofenadine. Separate by at least 2 hours (4 for quinolones).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short-term use of antacids is considered fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Magnesium aluminium silicate
What it is used for
Neutralises stomach acid.
How it works
A clay-like antacid that neutralises acid and coats the stomach, often in antacid gels with simethicone.
How to take it
Take after meals and at bedtime as directed. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.
Common side effects
Constipation or diarrhoea
Get medical help straight away if
Symptoms that keep coming back for more than 2 weeks
Be careful
Separate from other medicines by 2 hours.
Other medicines and interactions
Can reduce absorption of other medicines; take them 2 hours apart.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short-term use is considered acceptable.
Magnesium hydroxide
What it is used for
Neutralises acid; in larger amounts it softens stools.
How it works
An antacid that neutralises acid; in larger doses it draws water into the bowel and works as a laxative (milk of magnesia).
How to take it
As an antacid, after meals and at bedtime. As a laxative, 30 to 45 ml at bedtime with water. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
Get medical help straight away if
Muscle weakness, slow heartbeat or drowsiness (too much magnesium, especially with kidney disease)
Be careful
Can cause loose motions; caution with kidney disease.
Other medicines and interactions
Reduces absorption of iron, ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, levothyroxine and some other medicines; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short-term use is considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Simethicone
What it is used for
Breaks up gas bubbles to ease bloating and wind.
How it works
An anti-foaming agent that breaks up gas bubbles in the gut so they are passed more easily. It is not absorbed into the body.
How to take it
Take after meals and at bedtime as directed; drops are used for infant colic.
Common side effects
Side effects are very rare
Get medical help straight away if
Severe or lasting stomach pain, vomiting or bloody stools
Be careful
Generally very safe.
Other medicines and interactions
Can reduce absorption of levothyroxine; separate by a few hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not absorbed, so considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common questions
What is Digene?
Digene is a tablet by Abbott containing Aluminium hydroxide 300 mg + Magnesium aluminium silicate 50 mg + Magnesium hydroxide 25 mg + Simethicone 25 mg.
What is Digene used for?
Neutralises stomach acid to relieve acidity and heartburn. Neutralises stomach acid. Neutralises acid; in larger amounts it softens stools. Breaks up gas bubbles to ease bloating and wind.
How should I take Digene?
Chew tablets or take the liquid 20 minutes to 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, or when symptoms occur. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines. Take after meals and at bedtime as directed. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines. As an antacid, after meals and at bedtime. As a laxative, 30 to 45 ml at bedtime with water. Keep 2 hours apart from other medicines. Take after meals and at bedtime as directed; drops are used for infant colic. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Digene?
Common side effects include: Constipation, chalky taste, nausea, Constipation or diarrhoea, Diarrhoea, stomach cramps, Side effects are very rare. Get medical help straight away for: Symptoms last more than 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing or weight loss, bone pain or weakness with long use and kidney disease, Symptoms that keep coming back for more than 2 weeks, Muscle weakness, slow heartbeat or drowsiness (too much magnesium, especially with kidney disease), Severe or lasting stomach pain, vomiting or bloody stools.
Does Digene need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Digene in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Short-term use of antacids is considered fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Short-term use is considered acceptable. Short-term use is considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not absorbed, so considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What are the substitutes for Digene?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Aluminium hydroxide: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Magnesium aluminium silicate: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Magnesium hydroxide: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Simethicone: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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