Drug Class: Prokinetic + Digestive Enzyme Combination | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Plasenzym Tablet? Plasenzym is a multi-ingredient combination tablet designed to address indigestion and digestive discomfort from several directions simultaneously. It combines Metoclopramide — a prokinetic that speeds up stomach emptying — with Simethicone for gas relief, Bromelain and Pancreatin as digestive enzymes that break down food, and Sodium Dehydrocholate to support bile flow and fat digestion. This comprehensive approach makes it effective for patients whose digestive complaints involve multiple problems — slow stomach emptying, gas accumulation, inadequate enzyme production, and poor fat digestion — all addressed in a single tablet.
What is Plasenzym Tablet Used For?
- Functional dyspepsia — bloating, fullness, and discomfort after eating (بدہضمی اور پیٹ پھولنا)
- Flatulence — excessive gas accumulation causing discomfort (گیس اور پیٹ میں ہوا)
- Heartburn and acid reflux — burning sensation in chest (سینے کی جلن)
- Nausea associated with digestive disorders (متلی)
- Digestive enzyme insufficiency — inadequate breakdown of food nutrients
- Post-meal heaviness and slow gastric emptying (کھانے کے بعد بھاری پن)
- Support for fat digestion in biliary and pancreatic insufficiency
How Does it Work? Each ingredient targets a specific aspect of digestive dysfunction. Metoclopramide blocks dopamine receptors in the gut — accelerating stomach emptying and reducing nausea. Simethicone breaks down gas bubbles in the intestine — allowing easier passage and relieving bloating. Bromelain is a pineapple-derived enzyme that helps break down proteins. Pancreatin provides a broad spectrum of digestive enzymes — lipase for fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and protease for proteins. Sodium Dehydrocholate stimulates bile flow — improving fat digestion and absorption. Together these components comprehensively support the entire digestive process.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always take as prescribed. Contains Metoclopramide — do not exceed recommended dose or duration. Not suitable for long-term continuous use without medical review due to Metoclopramide component.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyspepsia / Bloating / Nausea | 1 tablet | Three times daily before meals | As prescribed by doctor |
| Digestive enzyme insufficiency | 1 tablet | Three times daily with meals | As directed |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Metoclopramide | Prokinetic — speeds stomach emptying, reduces nausea |
| Simethicone | Antifoaming agent — relieves gas and bloating |
| Bromelain | Proteolytic enzyme — breaks down proteins |
| Pancreatin | Broad-spectrum digestive enzymes — fats, carbohydrates, proteins |
| Sodium Dehydrocholate | Bile stimulant — improves fat digestion and bile flow |
Who Should NOT Take Plasenzym Tablet?
- Allergy to any ingredient including Metoclopramide or Simethicone
- Gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or bleeding — Metoclopramide is contraindicated
- Phaeochromocytoma — adrenal tumour
- History of tardive dyskinesia or movement disorders from prior Metoclopramide use
- Epilepsy or history of seizures
- Parkinson's disease — Metoclopramide worsens dopamine-related symptoms
- Severe kidney or liver impairment
- Pregnancy — particularly first trimester; consult doctor
- Breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents under 18 years
- Allergy to pineapple — Bromelain is pineapple-derived
Side Effects
Common: Drowsiness and fatigue from Metoclopramide component (نیند آنا), mild diarrhoea, restlessness, dry mouth, mild skin rash.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Tardive dyskinesia — involuntary repetitive facial or body movements with prolonged use (غیر ارادی حرکات — فوری ڈاکٹر کو دکھائیں), acute dystonia — sudden painful involuntary muscle contractions especially in neck and face (فوری مدد لیں), Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome — high fever with severe muscle rigidity and confusion (فوری ہسپتال جائیں), severe allergic reaction with swelling of face or throat and difficulty breathing, significant depression or anxiety with prolonged Metoclopramide use, irregular heartbeat — QT prolongation risk.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Antipsychotics / Levosulpiride | Additive dopamine blockade — increased movement disorder risk |
| Levodopa / Dopamine agonists | Metoclopramide directly opposes their therapeutic effect — avoid combination |
| CNS depressants / sedatives | Additive drowsiness and sedation |
| Digoxin | Metoclopramide reduces Digoxin absorption — monitor levels |
| Cyclosporine | Metoclopramide increases Cyclosporine absorption — toxicity risk |
| Anticoagulants (Warfarin) | Bromelain may enhance anticoagulant effect — increased bleeding risk |
| QT-prolonging medicines | Increased risk of dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities with Metoclopramide |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases CNS sedation from Metoclopramide — avoid completely |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Can Plasenzym be taken long-term for chronic indigestion? Long-term continuous use is not recommended due to the Metoclopramide component — prolonged use significantly increases the risk of irreversible tardive dyskinesia. Always consult your doctor for reassessment if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks.
Q: Why does Plasenzym contain so many different ingredients? Digestive complaints often involve multiple problems simultaneously — slow stomach emptying, gas, poor enzyme production, and poor bile flow. Each ingredient targets a specific problem, making the combination more comprehensive than any single ingredient alone.
Q: Can patients with Parkinson's disease take Plasenzym for indigestion? No — the Metoclopramide component blocks dopamine receptors and directly worsens Parkinson's disease symptoms. Patients with Parkinson's must inform their doctor and use alternative medicines for digestive complaints.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription medicine.