Dicycloverine hydrochloride with aluminium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and simeticone

How it works

Dicycloverine relieves gut smooth-muscle spasm via antimuscarinic action, aluminium hydroxide and magnesium oxide neutralise gastric acid, and simeticone reduces gas-bubble surface tension to relieve bloating.

Prescribing in practice

• The dicycloverine component carries antimuscarinic contraindications and cautions (paralytic ileus, obstruction, urinary retention, prostatic enlargement, angle-closure glaucoma) and warrants particular care in older people.
• The antacid components reduce the absorption of several other drugs, so separate the timing of other medicines from this preparation.
• Aluminium and magnesium salts may accumulate or cause bowel-habit changes, and caution is needed in renal impairment.

Monitoring

No routine monitoring is required; review symptom relief and remain alert to antimuscarinic effects and antacid drug interactions.

Counselling the patient

• Take your other medicines at a different time from this preparation, as the antacid can stop them being absorbed properly.
• It may cause a dry mouth or affect your bowels; mention this if troublesome.
• Seek advice if symptoms persist or you develop difficulty passing urine.

Evidence & guidelines

Established prescribing references describe antacid-containing antispasmodic combinations for functional dyspeptic symptoms, with antacids well recognised to reduce absorption of co-administered drugs.