Suxidine: uses and side effects of this medicine

Gastrointestinal symptoms are some of the most frequent manifestations when we are exposed to excessive nervous tension. To treat these manifestations there are numerous remedies, among which is pharmacology.

Precisely Suxidine is a medicine that is used to treat diseases of the digestive system. related to major stress situations. We will see below the main characteristics of said drug, as well as some recommendations in case of use.

• Related article: "Types of stress and their triggers"

What is suxidine?

Suxidine is a drug used to treat different symptoms of the digestive system, related to states of anxiety. Contains the following chemical compounds: talc, colloidal silica, calcium carbonate, methylene casin, magnesium stearate, dibasic calcium phosphate, casin.

It has mild anxiolytic properties, as a consequence of one of its active ingredients, Oxazepam Hemisuccinate. The latter acts quickly and is almost completely absorbed, without food being involved in it. It is a chemical compound of low toxicity, which usually remains in the system for 8 hours and is eliminated by the liver.

It also contains metoclopramide hydrochloride, which acts as a regulator of gastrointestinal motility and prevents tract spasms. This is absorbed by the digestive tract and metabolized by the liver after approximately 4 hours. Metoclopramide has a slightly higher toxicity, capable of generating digestive and nervous disorders, especially in children.

It also contains polyenzym-S, a compound of synthetic digestive enzymes of a protein nature, which, when interacting with natural enzymes, favor the digestion process. Finally, suxidine contains silicone antifoam, which serves to reduce intestinal gas without significantly changing gastric pH.

Authorization situation in Spain

In Spain, suxidine in tablet form was authorized for sale on February 1, 1974, by the SEID, S. TO.

Said authorization has been revoked as of July 27, 2018, so it is not currently marketed in said country. However, in other countries its distribution may continue in force, so we will see below some uses and characteristics of this drug.

• You may be interested in: "Enteric Nervous System: parts and functions"

What is this drug used for and how is it taken?

Suxidine It is usually presented in tablets and with a medical prescription. The average dose for adults is 3 to 6 daily. In the case of children, it is contraindicated for children under 11 years of age.

Likewise, this drug is indicated to treat the following clinical manifestations associated with acute stress and anxiety conditions:

1. autonomic dystonia

Also known as dysautonomia. Dystonias are movement disorders that affect muscle contractions. As the term itself indicates, neurovegetative dystonia affects the vegetative nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary movements, for example those of the digestive system. It is characterized by a acceleration or decrease of the organs that compose said apparatus.

2. nervous dyspepsia

Dyspepsias are motility disorders of the digestive system, specifically affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. They impair the secretion of said organ and cause pain, swelling and stomach irritation. It is called nervous dyspepsia because has a psychogenic origin.

3. Neurosensory-motor dyspepsia

Like the previous one, it is a motility disorder of the digestive system, but, in this case, the origin of the disorder may be linked to sensory nervous system activity and the activity of the sensory nerves.

4. dystonic biliary dyskinesia

Affectation of biliary motility, specifically it is about excessive or inappropriate movements of the muscles that regulate the secretion of bile.

5. neurogenic gastritis

Also known as nervous gastritis, since its origin is prolonged and intense exposure to stressful situations. Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa lining the stomach and protects it from acidity.

6. Stomach flu

It is an inflammation of the internal membrane that covers both the stomach and the intestine, that is, it causes swelling of the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea, vomiting and pain. It is generally caused by the activity of viruses and bacteria..

7. Gastroduodenal ulcer

Also known as a peptic ulcer, it is a sore located on the inner lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. It occurs due to a rupture of said membrane and can be caused by bacteria or other diseases, such as alcohol consumption, drugs, tobacco or stress.

8. irritable bowel

Functional digestive disorder that mainly affects the activity of the intestine, generating abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms.

Contraindications and side effects

Its use should be avoided in people whose gastric motility may worsen while taking this medication. For example, people who have bleeding, obstruction or perforation in any organ of the digestive system. In addition is contraindicated in people with tardive or neuroleptic dyskinesia (Motor disorder related to prolonged intake of some neuroleptic drugs).

In addition, it can potentiate the antidopaminergic effects on the central nervous system and the sedative effects of many substances, so its combination with phenothiazines, tranquilizers, hypnotics, narcotics and alcohol. On the other hand, its action decreases when it interacts with other active ingredients such as digoxin and cimetidine.

It is not recommended to use it during pregnancy and lactation, and it is also recommended to avoid situations that require an active state of alertness, due to its sedative effects.

Among the most common side effects is drowsiness, and in elderly people, prolonged use can cause tardive dyskinesia. The latter are the effects that can cause an overdose of this medicine.

In the same way, prolonged treatment can generate breast tension, galactorrhea (milk production out of period), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for more than 90 days), gynecomastia (increased breast size in men), impotence and hyperprolactinemia (increased levels of prolactin in the blood).

As regards the most serious reactions, in children and adolescents there have been extrapyramidal reactions such as muscle spasms in the face, neck and tongue.

Bibliographic references:

• Suxidine Tablets. Authorization Status (2018). Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Retrieved September 7, 2018. Available in https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/publico/lista.html.
• Suxidine Comp. Canceled medication. (2018). Vademecum. Retrieved September 7, 2018. Available in https://www.vademecum.es/medicamento-suxidina_3781.
• Suxidine. Technical Sheet (S/A). botplusweb. Retrieved September 7, 2018. Available in https://botplusweb.portalfarma.com/documentos/FICHAS%20TECNICAS%20POR%20LABORATORIOS%20PDF/Seid/f52063%20Suxidina. PDF.