Acigest

Pepsin (NA) + Simethicone (NA) + Diastase (NA)
Price: ₹45 - ₹95 for strip of 15 tablets
Mfr: Cipla Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination of digestive enzymes (Pepsin, Diastase) and an anti-foaming agent (Simethicone) used for symptomatic relief of dyspepsia, bloating, and flatulence associated with digestive enzyme deficiency. Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme, Diastase (a mixture of amylases) aids in carbohydrate digestion, and Simethicone reduces gas bubble surface tension to alleviate bloating.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: 1-2 tablets/capsules, or 5-10 ml of syrup, three times a day, preferably during or immediately after meals.

Note: Tablets/Capsules: Swallow whole with a glass of water, do not crush or chew. Syrup: Shake well before use. Should be taken during or immediately after meals for optimal enzymatic activity. Do not lie down immediately after taking.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to any component (Pepsin, Diastase, Simethicone or excipients)
  • Acute pancreatitis

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Pepsin: An aspartic protease secreted as pepsinogen, activated by gastric HCl. It hydrolyzes dietary proteins into proteoses and peptones in the stomach. Diastase: A mixture of amylolytic enzymes (α-amylase, β-amylase) that hydrolyzes starch and glycogen into dextrins, maltose, and glucose. Simethicone: A physiologically inert organosilicon polymer with anti-foaming and defoaming properties. It reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the GI tract, causing them to coalesce, facilitating their expulsion via belching or flatus.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea (rare)
  • Mild abdominal discomfort

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C (US FDA). No well-controlled studies. Use only if clearly needed. Simethicone is considered safe. Enzymes are not absorbed.

Driving: No effect. No CNS activity.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Antacids (Aluminium Hydroxide, Calcium Carbonate)Raise gastric pH, which can inactivate Pepsin (requires acidic pH). Reduced efficacy of the enzymatic component.Moderate
SucralfateMay bind to enzymes, reducing their local availability and efficacy.Moderate
Acarbose, MiglitolPharmacodynamic antagonism. Diastase breaks down carbohydrates, counteracting the effect of these alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.Major
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole)Markedly reduce gastric acid, impairing activation and function of Pepsin. Separate administration by 2-3 hours if possible.Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Acigest

Same composition (Pepsin (NA) + Simethicone (NA) + Diastase (NA)), different brands:

Digene Active Gas-O-Fast Pepsica Pepzin-S-D