What is dioctahedral smectite? Instructions for use of the drug containing this component will be presented below. You will also learn about the features of this substance and its purpose.
Product form
Dioctahedral smectite is a medicinal substance that belongs to the group of antidiarrheals used to treat conditions that are accompanied by digestive disorders.
Which drug contains the component in question? Dioctahedral smectite is the active substance of the drug "Smecta". Also, the composition of this medicine includes additional chemical compounds such as orange or vanilla flavor, sodium saccharinate and dextrose monohydrate.
Dioctahedral smectite is a fine grayish-white powder with a slightly orange or vanilla aroma. It is sold in laminated bags of 3 g.
The action of the medicinal substance
Dioctahedral smectite by its chemical nature is an aluminosilicate of natural origin. Its mechanism of action is based on high adsorbentproperties. In other words, this component is able to bind toxic elements and normalize bowel function.
It cannot be said that the substance in question stabilizes the physicochemical properties of the digestive mucus, which normalizes its quantity, and also significantly improves the barrier properties.
Smectite in the recommended doses does not change intestinal motility, does not cause pain, swelling, does not contribute to changes in the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestinal tube.
It should also be noted that dioctahedral smectite, analogues of which can be found in any pharmacy, is not radiopaque. Therefore, preparations based on it can be used even before an instrumental examination of the intestine. By the way, the use of this substance does not contribute to the coloring of intestinal contents.
Kinetics
The coefficient of systemic exposure to dioctahedral smectite is minimal, since this substance is not metabolized in the intestine and does not enter the bloodstream. It should be noted that even impaired barrier properties of the digestive system do not change this indicator. From the patient's body, the component in question is excreted unchanged. Moreover, the rate of excretion of the drug depends on the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
Indications
Smectite-based medicine can be taken with the following indications:
- diarrhea of infectious origin;
- diarrhea of allergic or toxic origin;
- therapydyspeptic symptoms, including heartburn, belching, bloating, and more.
Despite the fact that such medicines are sold freely in pharmacies, a comprehensive examination should be carried out before using them, since the cause of diarrhea may be hidden in more serious diseases.
Contraindications
Smectite-based drugs are not allowed in the presence of the following diseases:
- intestinal obstruction, including partial;
- intolerance to any of the components of the pharmacological agent;
- lack of isom altase.
It should also be noted that during pregnancy and lactation, the use of the agent in question is possible, since smectite is not absorbed from the intestine and does not enter the bloodstream.
Dioctahedral smectite: instructions
It is recommended to take the powder in question in the amount of 3 sachets per day. In this case, the maximum dosage is 6 packets. To prepare a medicinal suspension, the contents of the package must be dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water. For a child, it is allowed to use porridge, baby food, puree or compote as a solvent. It is necessary to use the finished medicine between meals. If the patient is diagnosed with esophagitis, then the medication should be consumed immediately after a meal.
Drinking the medicinal suspension is not recommended. The duration of treatment with this remedy varies from 3up to 7 days. If therapy is ineffective, you should consult a doctor. In pediatric practice, the dosage of this drug is determined by the severity of diarrhea and the age of the patient.
Side effects and analogues of the drug
Experts say that the substance in question can cause constipation. However, it should be noted that this phenomenon occurs extremely rarely and disappears after changing the dosing regimen. Also, some patients may experience flatulence and vomiting. In addition, cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rashes, itching, urticaria, and angioedema, have often been recorded.
Analogues of this remedy are drugs such as Neosmectin, Diosmectite, as well as activated carbon, Laktofiltrum, Microcel, Lignosorb, Filtrum-STI, Polysorb MP, " Enterodez", "Polifepan" and others.
