Brand name:

Di-Gel

Pronounced: DYE-jell

Generic ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide, Simethicone, Aluminum hydroxide (liquid only), Calcium carbonate (tablets only)

What this drug is used for

Di-Gel temporarily relieves acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, and gas.

How should you take this medication?

The usual dose is 2 to 4 tablets or teaspoonfuls every 2 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Chew the tablets. Shake the liquid well before using and take with a spoon.

Do not take more than 20 teaspoonfuls or 24 tablets each 24 hours, or use the maximum dosage of this product for more than 2 weeks, without first checking with your doctor.

Do not take this medication if...

If you have kidney disease, do not take Di-Gel unless your doctor approves.

Special warnings about this medication

Di-Gel tablets may cause either constipation or loose bowels.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Antacids interact with a variety of prescription drugs when taken at the same time. An interaction is unlikely, however, if you keep doses of the two at least 2 or 3 hours apart. Drugs that may interact include the following:

Alendronate (Fosamax)
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Antibiotics classified as "quinolones," such as Cipro, Floxin, and
Noroxin
Aspirin
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Captopril (Capoten)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta)
Isoniazid (Rifamate)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Methenamine (Urised)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dolobid, Motrin,
Naprosyn, and Voltaren
Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Tetracycline antibiotics such as Achromycin V and Minocin
Tilodronate (Skelid)
Ursodiol (Actigall)

Prolonged and heavy use of calcium-containing antacids such as the tablet form of Di-Gel, combined with a high intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, can lead to an overload of calcium in the system. Early symptoms are constipation, weakness, nausea, and vomiting; and a severe overload can cause kidney damage. If you need a high-calcium diet, check with your doctor about a substitute for Di-Gel tablets.

A high-protein meal, such as a steak dinner, can reduce the effectiveness of aluminum-containing antacids such as the liquid form of Di-Gel.