Methicap Capsule

Silymarin is used to treat jaundice, liver cirrhosis, acute and chronic hepatitis, heartburn (dyspepsia). The drug is also used to protect liver from toxins, heavy metals, alcohol and poisons etc.

The recommended dose of Silymarin ranges from 140-420 mg/day taken into 2 to 3 divided dose.

The drug is contraindicated if patient has any hypersensitivity to it, in case of hepatic encephalopathy or patient with a history of hormone-related cancers including breast, uterine and prostate cancer.

Caution needed in patients with history of hepatic encephalopathy.

Silymarin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. This drug is also not recommended for use in children.

There is no evidence available on drug interaction

Silymarin supplements are generally safe. It sometimes may cause a laxative effect. Other less common side-effects are nausea, diarrhea and bloating.

Silymarin is Flavonolignan extracted from plant Milk Thistle. It consists of four flavonolignan isomers namely- silybin, isosilybin, silydianin and silychristin. Silymarin is well known hepatoprotective agent. The liver-protecting and liver-repairing functions are due to two main actions: antioxidant and protein-restoring activities. The antioxidant activity of silymarin is ten times more powerful than vitamin E. It prevents toxic and foreign substances from penetrating into the liver cells by stabilizing the outer membrane of liver cells. The active constituents displace toxins by binding to proteins and receptors on the cell membrane. Silymarin also stimulates protein synthesis so that new liver cells can grow and damaged liver cells can be replaced.

Methicap 140 mg Capsule manufactured by Bronson Laboratories (BD) Ltd.. Its generic name is Silymarin.