Digipen (mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup

DIGIPEN (MIXED FRUIT FLAVOUR) SYRUP

Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup, manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd., is a digestive aid formulated to improve digestion and alleviate various gastrointestinal discomforts.

Composition

Digipen Syrup primarily contains two active digestive enzymes:

• Diastase: 50mg/5ml. This is a starch-hydrolysing enzyme (amylolytic enzyme) that breaks down complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides, like starch) into simpler sugars, facilitating their digestion and absorption.
• Pepsin: 10mg/5ml. This is a protein-digesting enzyme (proteolytic enzyme) that helps break down larger protein molecules into smaller units (amino acids) in an acidic environment.

Uses

Digipen Syrup is prescribed for a range of digestive issues and aims to promote overall digestive health. It is used to treat:

• Digestive disorders and gastric problems.
• Indigestion, acid indigestion, heartburn, and flatulence (gas).
• Epigastric distress (upper abdominal pain), burping (eructation), bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
• Stomach fullness and chronic illness-related digestive issues.
• Appetite stimulation, particularly for those experiencing reduced hunger or recovering from illness.
• Pancreatic insufficiency (inability to produce pancreatic enzymes).
• Indigestion in post-operative cases and to support post-surgery recovery.

Dosage and Administration

• Digipen Syrup should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your physician.
• A typical recommended dosage is 10ml twice daily after meals.
• It can be taken with meals to minimize stomach discomfort.
• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Always use the measuring cup, dosing syringe, or dropper provided with the pack to ensure accurate dosage, and avoid using regular household spoons.
• Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
• Take the medicine at the same time every day to maintain consistency.

Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects:

• Common: Abdominal pain, stomach upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, feeling of sickness, skin rash, painful urination, and heartburn.
• Mild digestive discomfort.
• Allergic reactions. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: There is limited information available on the safety of Digipen Syrup during pregnancy. It is advised to consult a doctor, as some sources suggest it may not be safe and could harm the unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding: Consult your physician before taking this medicine if you are a nursing mother, as it is unclear if Digipen Syrup is excreted into breast milk.
• Alcohol Consumption: It is advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment, as it can interfere with the medicine's effectiveness and may increase stomach acid production, leading to heartburn.
• Diabetic Patients: Oral syrup formulations of Digipen should be administered cautiously in diabetic patients, as they may contain sucrose. Sugar-free alternatives might be considered.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of conditions such as acute pancreatitis (swelling/inflammation of the pancreas), gastric ulcers, gastritis, liver, kidney, heart, lung, or blood-related disorders, or if you are taking any other medications.
• Drug Interactions: While no significant drug-drug interactions are generally known for Digipen Syrup as a digestive aid, it is always a good practice to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Lifestyle: To aid digestion, incorporate fibre-rich foods, eat small meals at regular intervals, avoid overeating or high-fat foods, limit smoking, and consider sleeping with your head elevated to reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• It should be stored at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC, or below 30ºC.
• Protect from moisture and light.

What is Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup used for?

Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup is primarily used as a digestive aid. It helps in the treatment of various digestive discomforts such as indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, acidity, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. It is also used to improve appetite and manage gastric issues.

How does Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup work?

This syrup contains digestive enzymes, specifically Fungal Diastase (or Alpha Amylase) and Pepsin. Fungal Diastase helps in breaking down complex carbohydrates like starch into simpler sugars, while Pepsin aids in the breakdown of proteins into smaller units. This synergistic action promotes efficient digestion of food, ensuring better absorption of nutrients and reducing the burden on the digestive system. It also contains carminative agents that help expel gas and possesses antispasmodic properties to soothe the muscles of the digestive tract.

What is the usual dosage for Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup?

The recommended dosage varies based on factors such as the patient's age, weight, severity of symptoms, and overall health condition, and should be strictly adhered to as prescribed by a physician. For adults, a typical dosage is around 10ml three times a day. For children, the dosage is significantly lower and generally weight-dependent, with a common guideline being 2.5ml to 5ml two to three times daily for children aged 2 to 6 years. The syrup should be taken orally with or without food, preferably with or immediately after meals, using a measuring spoon or cup for accuracy.

What are the possible side effects of Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup?

Digipen Syrup is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, some individuals may experience side effects such as abdominal pain, feeling of sickness, skin rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, painful urination, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. If any adverse effects occur, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. Long-term use or exceeding the prescribed dose without medical supervision may lead to potential health risks.

Is Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There is limited information available regarding the safety of Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advised to consult a doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. A doctor will assess the potential benefits against any possible risks to determine if its use is appropriate.

Can Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup be taken with other medications?

While there are no known significant drug-drug interactions reported for digestive enzyme preparations like Digipen Syrup, it is always crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking. This is to avoid any potential interactions. For instance, some sources suggest caution with anti-diabetic medications like acarbose.

What precautions should be taken while using Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup?

Before taking Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you have existing medical conditions like gastric ulcers, gastritis, kidney disease, liver problems, or inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis). Diabetic patients should exercise caution as the syrup may contain sucrose, and sugar-free formulations might be preferable. It is also advised to avoid alcohol consumption while on this medication as it can increase stomach acidity. Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to its components, particularly to pork protein, as Pepsin can be porcine-derived.

What happens if a dose of Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup is missed?

If you miss a dose of Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one, as this can lead to adverse effects.

How should Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup be stored?

Digipen (Mixed Fruit Flavour) Syrup should be stored in a cool and dry place, preferably at room temperature (20-25°C). It should be protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Always keep the syrup out of the sight and reach of children and pets.