Simofit

Simofit Capsules by Simorgh Darou

Dosage Form

• Capsules
• Packaging: 30 capsules, arranged in two blister packs of 15 capsules each, accompanied by a patient information leaflet inside a cardboard box.

Composition

Each capsule contains:

• Garcinia cambogia extract: 400 mg
• Black pepper extract (Piperine): 5 mg
• Potassium hydroxycitrate: 130.598 mg
• Calcium hydroxycitrate: 132.376 mg
• Chromium polynicotinate: 0.402 mg

Other ingredients: Magnesium stearate

Standardized for 240 mg of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) per capsule

Indications

• Aids in weight management

Dosage and Administration

• Take 2 capsules three times daily, 30 minutes before meals, with a full glass of water, or as directed by a physician.

Precautions and Contraindications

• Consult a physician or pharmacist before use if:
  • You are taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • You have a history of chronic diseases.
• Black pepper extract may increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.
• This product may interfere with blood glucose regulation in diabetic patients due to black pepper’s effects.
• Discontinue use at least two weeks prior to surgery.
• Avoid use if allergic to any of the ingredients.

Adverse Effects

When used as directed, the product is generally safe; however, potential side effects include:

• Garcinia cambogia: Headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Black pepper extract: Indigestion and mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea.
• Calcium and potassium salts: Potential gastrointestinal discomfort.

Consult a healthcare provider if side effects persist or worsen.

Drug Interactions

1. Garcinia cambogia:
   • May increase the risk of serotonin-related side effects (e.g., serotonin syndrome) when used with serotonergic drugs, such as:
     • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline.
     • Other serotonergic agents: Dextromethorphan, Meperidine, Pentazocine, Tramadol.
2. Black pepper extract (Piperine):
   • May enhance the absorption and blood levels of drugs, including:
     • Phenytoin, Propranolol, Rifampin, Theophylline.
   • May interact with anticoagulants (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Heparin, Warfarin) by increasing the risk of bleeding.
   • May increase the side effects of Cyclosporine and Nevirapine.
3. Calcium:
   • Reduces the absorption of tetracyclines and quinolone antibiotics. Maintain at least a 3-hour interval between these medications.
   • Interferes with the absorption of levothyroxine. Maintain at least a 4-hour interval.
   • Concurrent use with antacids may reduce calcium absorption. Maintain a 2-hour interval.
4. Chromium:
   • May enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce appetite, potentially interacting with blood glucose regulation in diabetic patients.

Pharmacological Effects and Mechanism of Action

1. Garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric acid, HCA):
   • Competitively inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, reducing the conversion of carbohydrates to fat.
   • Prevents citrate from splitting into oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA, thereby limiting fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis.
   • Increases hepatic glycogen synthesis, influencing glucose receptors in the liver, promoting satiety.
2. Black pepper extract (Piperine):
   • Enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients by forming neutral complexes and balancing membrane dynamics.
3. Chromium:
   • Reduces food intake by acting on hunger-related receptors in the brain.
   • Sensitizes glucose receptors, suppressing appetite and enhancing sympathetic nervous system activation.

Use During Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.