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.
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Dioctahedral smectitis is a drug substance that belongs to the group of antidiarrheal drugs used to treat conditions that are accompanied by digestive disorders.
Which drug contains the component in question? Dioctahedral smectitis is the active substance of the Smecta medication. Also included in this medicine are additional chemical compounds such as orange or vanilla flavor, sodium saccharin, and dextrose monohydrate.
Dioctahedral smectite is a fine powder of a grayish-white color with a not very pronounced orange or vanilla aroma. It is sold in laminated packages of 3 g.
Action of the drug
Dioctahedral smectite by its chemical nature is an aluminosilicate of natural origin. Its mechanism of action is based on high adsorbing properties. In other words, this component is able to bind toxic elements and normalize the intestines.
It is impossible not to say that the substance in question stabilizes the physicochemical properties of digestive mucus, which normalizes its quantity, and also significantly improves barrier properties.
Smectite in the recommended doses does not change intestinal motility, does not cause pain, swelling, does not contribute to a change 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 staining of intestinal contents.
Kinetics
The systemic exposure coefficient of 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 the disturbed barrier properties of the digestive system do not change this indicator. From the patient's body, the component under consideration is excreted unchanged. Moreover, the rate of excretion of the drug depends on the motility of the digestive tract.
Indications
Taking a smectite-based medication is possible with the following indications:
- infectious diarrhea;
- diarrhea of an allergic or toxic origin;
- therapy of dyspeptic symptoms, including heartburn, belching, bloating and more.
Despite the fact that such medicines are sold in pharmacies freely, a comprehensive examination should be done before their use, since the cause of diarrhea can be hidden in more serious diseases.
Contraindications
The use of smectite-based drugs is unacceptable in the presence of the following diseases:
- intestinal obstruction, including partial;
- intolerance to any of the components of a pharmacological agent;
- lack of isomaltase.
It should also be noted that during pregnancy and lactation, the use of the drug in question is possible, since smectitis is not absorbed from the intestine and does not enter the bloodstream.
Smectite dioctahedral: instruction
It is recommended to take the considered powder in the amount of 3 sachets per day. Moreover, 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 the child, porridge, baby food, mashed potatoes or compote can be used 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 taken immediately after a meal.
Drinking a drug suspension is not recommended. The duration of treatment with this agent varies from 3 to 7 days. If therapy is ineffective, 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 is extremely rare and disappears after changing the dosage regimen. Also, some patients may experience flatulence and vomiting. In addition, cases of the development of hypersensitivity reactions, including rashes on the skin, itching, urticaria, angioedema, were often recorded.
The analogs of this remedy are drugs such as Neosmectin, Diosmectit, as well as activated carbon, Lactofiltrum, Microcel, Lignosorb, Filtrum-STI, Polysorb MP, Enterodez, Polyphepan " and others.