Many people are sure that Smecta is intended only for the treatment of diarrhea, since the drug fixes feces. But often, doctors prescribe a medication for constipation. Although the instructions for its use constipation is indicated as one of the side effects. Is the doctor wrong in this case? Does Smecta really help with constipation?
Characterization and description of the drug
Smecta is an adsorbent that contains such an active substance as dioctahedral smectite - a mixture of magnesium and aluminum silicates, treated in a special way. The substance has a crystalline structure, so that envelops all pathogenic bacteria, toxins and viruses and removes them from the digestive tract along with feces. The drug is especially good for rotavirus infection.
This medication is not fastening, it helps to eliminate toxins, toxins and pathogenic bacteria, which provoke the development of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal pathologies. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is possible for Smecta with constipation will be positive.
The drug is prescribed in such cases:
- an infectious process in the intestines;
- intoxication with food or alcohol;
- intoxication with colds;
- dysbiosis;
- hangover syndrome;
- nausea and vomiting
- pain in the stomach and intestines;
- intestinal colic;
- flatulence;
- diarrhea or constipation of various origins;
- consequences of eating disorders.
The ailment can appear due to malnutrition, allergies, the use of certain medications. Therefore, "Smecta" from constipation will help at any age, even infants, the drug normalizes the bowel movement and the digestive system.
The drug is released in the form of a powder for the preparation of a suspension, which is packaged in bags of 3 grams.
Drug action
Dioctahedral smectite is an adsorbent that absorbs chemical elements in a liquid or gaseous state. It stabilizes the gastrointestinal mucosa, preventing damage to the digestive system. Due to its property, pathogenic microbes and toxins do not reach the walls of organs, the risk of developing pathologies is reduced. In this case, the drug absorbs only those chemical elements whose presence in the human body is undesirable.
The active substance in a short time spreads to all digestive organs and begins to act. “Smecta” for constipation is a completely safe drug, so it can be used even from the first months of life. It is created from natural components, does not penetrate the bloodstream and is completely excreted along with harmful substances from the body.
In infancy, the medication helps to eliminate problems with bowel movement without disturbing the intestinal microflora. When constipation occurs after Smecta, this indicates non-compliance with the doctor’s recommendations. The activity of the gastrointestinal tract is restored immediately after drug withdrawal.
The medication acts not only as a sorbent, but also provides a therapeutic effect with a lack of potassium, magnesium and sodium in the body, normalizes the water-salt balance.
Instructions for use for adults
Undoubtedly, with constipation, you can take Smecta. The drug is taken before meals, and if a person has heartburn, then after.
One bag is poured into a glass, diluted to half with warm water, stir well, then drink.
The dosage of Smecta for constipation in adults and adolescents is three sachets throughout the day. If severe diarrhea is observed, then take six sachets per day. The course of therapy in this case is three days, and then another 2 days take 3 sachets per day.
The drug slows down the absorption of alcohol. If you take it before drinking alcohol, intoxication will come slower. In order to avoid the development of a hangover, it is recommended to take the medicine after drinking alcohol.
It is recommended that you consult a doctor before treatment, since not all types of constipation are treated with this drug.
Instruction for children
The medicine is prepared for children like this: in 50 milliliters of warm water, the contents of the bag are diluted. It is allowed to mix the powder with mashed potatoes, milk, compote.
The Smecta treatment regimen for constipation is as follows:
- Up to 1 year take one sachet per day.
- From 1 to 2 years - two sachets per day.
- From 2 to 12 years - two or three sachets per day.
With diarrhea, it is necessary to take the medicine according to a different scheme:
- Children up to a year - 2 packets per day for three days, then 1 sachet for 2 days.
- From a year to 12 years - 4 sachets per day for three days, then another 2 days take 2 sachets.
- From 12 years, you need to take 6 sachets per day for 3 days, then for two more days, three sachets per day.
In addition, it is necessary to provide a plentiful drink during therapy to prevent dehydration.
Application restrictions
The drug has some contraindications:
- High susceptibility to the components of the drug.
- Fructose intolerance.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Severe chronic constipation.
- Intestinal tumors.
- Adhesive disease.
- The presence of gallstones.
It is not recommended to take other drugs at the same time, as their effectiveness will be reduced. If Smecta does worse, constipation persists for four days, the treatment of drugs is stopped, in this case, you need to consult a doctor to prescribe a different treatment regimen.
Adverse Reactions
The drug is able to reduce intestinal motility to a certain extent, when consumed in large quantities, constipation or aggravation of an existing problem is possible. Therefore, it is necessary to comply with all doctor's prescriptions.
During pregnancy, Smecta for constipation should be used no more than three days. If negative symptoms appear, it is necessary to contact the clinic.
The drug does not affect the speed of psychomotor reactions. During treatment, you can control the car or other mechanisms.
Excess doses
When using the drug in large quantities, an allergic reaction or constipation develops. In this case, the dosage of the drug must be reduced. For children, the drug is recommended to be diluted in a larger amount of liquid, and for adults to drink not three, but 2 sachets per day.
With the development of severe allergies, drug treatment is stopped, symptomatic therapy is carried out.
Cost, purchase and storage of the drug
You can buy Smecta at almost any pharmacy in the country. She is dispensed without a doctor’s prescription. The cost of the medicine is about one hundred and fifty rubles for a package of ten bags. A package of thirty bags will cost about three hundred and twenty rubles.
Store the medicine in a dry, dark place where the air temperature does not exceed twenty-five degrees. Shelf life is three years from the date of release of the drug.
Analogs
If for some reason it is not possible to use Smecta for constipation, the doctor may prescribe another drug. The analogues of the medication include:
- "Neosmectin."
- "Diosmectin."
Dioctahedral smectitis is also present in these drugs. Other sorbents also exist, but not all of them are sufficiently effective and selective in action. In any case, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor.
Reviews
Smecta has mostly good reviews. Almost everyone notes its high efficiency and safety. The good news is that the drug can be given even to infants who so often suffer from constipation or, conversely, diarrhea. Of course, many mothers are surprised when doctors prescribe this drug for constipation in their children. But, after treatment, they saw a positive result, so now this medicine is always present in the home medicine cabinet.
The drug also helps adults. Many take it to exclude the development of a hangover syndrome after drinking alcohol. Many say that this is a universal drug that can be useful for almost all occasions.
Recommendations of doctors
During therapy with this medication, it is recommended to adhere to several rules:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Normalize the diet.
- Exclude some foods that may cause digestive upsets.
This will help to eliminate the pathology in a short time.
Conclusion
Smecta is an effective and safe way to solve digestive problems. The drug eliminates negative symptoms, removes toxins and pathogenic microbes from the body along with feces. It can be used by both adults and children. With proper observance of the dosage and all prescriptions of the doctor, the medicine does not cause the development of side effects. It is important to comply with all prescriptions and recommendations of the doctor, do not exceed the dosage of the drug.