In the article we indicate the expiration date of “Smecta”. She is a very popular medicine, so there is no person who would not have an idea of what she is helping from. The drug is effective in treating various digestive system problems and implements this very quickly so that a person can feel relief as soon as possible.
Where the expiration date of Smecta is indicated on the bag is described below.
Release form for a similar drug
The active substance of the drug is dioctahedral smectitis. The drug also contains excipients in the form of sodium saccharinate, dextrose monohydrate, orange and vanilla flavor. It is released in the form of a powder, from which a suspension is prepared for oral administration. The drug has two flavors. Shelf life of Smecta is of interest to many patients.
Indications for the use of a medication
Smecta acts as an antidiarrheal medicine, that is, it is used to treat diarrhea and some gastrointestinal disorders. The active component of the drug is able to improve and stabilize the mucous barriers of the stomach and intestines by increasing the amount of special secretion, against the background of this, the intestinal mucosa becomes dense, its ability to withstand various harmful and, at the same time, irritating substances increases, and the symptoms of poisoning quickly subside.
The drug also reduces the negative effects of toxins (toxic substances) and pathogenic microscopic organisms. The medicine, entering the intestine, binds the toxic compounds present in it, removing them with feces. Thanks to a similar pharmacological specific action, Smecta affects only bacteria with viruses, as well as toxins that are found in the lumen of the digestive tube.
The active substance of the suspension drunk by the body is not absorbed and does not enter the bloodstream, but leaves the intestine along with chemicals and harmful microbes. Taking the drug in the prescribed dose does not cause any intestinal motility disorders. The main thing is to observe the expiration date of Smecta. It’s easy to find on a bag.
Contraindications to the use of the drug
“Smecta” is forbidden to take in the presence of intestinal obstruction, when there is a partial or complete violation of the promotion of contents, which is caused by a violation of motor activity or some kind of mechanical obstruction (adhesive disease, tumors of the intestines or neighboring organs, hernias, foreign bodies, gallstones, paresis and other).
Also, such a medicine is not recommended for use by people who suffer from fructose intolerance, impaired galactose absorption in the intestines, and, in addition, insufficiency of sucrose enzymes. Taking such a suspension in the above conditions can cause constipation due to weakening of intestinal motility.
Instructions for use of the drug
For children, as well as infants, the contents of the bag are added to a quarter cup (50 milliliters) of warm water, the substance mixes well until completely dissolved. For small patients, the powder is added to infant formula, vegetable puree, or to grated fruits. In the event that the child is not able to take 50 milliliters of the medicine at a time, then you can dilute the powder in smaller quantities with warm water or give it in several doses. Parents should take into account the fact that it is necessary to prepare the drug before its consumption, since it is strictly forbidden to store such a medicinal solution in a bottle.
For adults, the powder of one sachet is added to 100 milliliters of warm water, it is immersed in the liquid gradually and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
"Smecta" should be used three times a day in the dosage that corresponds to the severity of diarrhea. The course should be at least three, but not more than seven days. Considering that Smecta acts as an enterosorbent, the greatest therapeutic effect is achieved by using a suspension between meals (except in cases of heartburn therapy, when it is better to drink the medicine immediately after a meal). The dosage along with the duration of treatment does not depend on the weight of the patient or his age. Only the severity of poisoning with the severity of diarrhea is taken into account.
In the acute form of the disease, the dosage will be as follows: two sachets per day for three days are prescribed for newborns and infants up to one year old. Then one per day (until stool normalizes). Patients older than one year old are allowed to use four sachets per day for the first three days of the disease. Then two at a time until full recovery.
For adults, the maximum number of sachets is six. For other diseases of the digestive system, the following dosages are recommended: for newborns and crumbs up to one year - one treatment bag, for older children - two per day, and for adults - three.
Since the drug in question has a pronounced adsorbing property, it can not be taken in parallel with any other means, so as not to reduce their degree of absorption in the intestine. The interval between receptions of the remedy described by us and other medicines should be at least an hour.
Shelf life: where is it indicated?
The drug is stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees. Shelf life of Smecta is three years. Information on storage is indicated on the packaging on the side, as well as in the attached manual.
Shelf life of diluted drug
So, as already noted, the shelf life of Smecta in the package is three years from the date of manufacture, but at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. In the form of a solution, the drug can be stored strictly in the refrigerator. The shelf life of the diluted Smecta is no more than 1 day. Before each consumption, it is necessary to stir the medicinal composition - otherwise precipitation may occur.
For proper dilution, pour the powder into a container and pour 100 milliliters of warm water. In any case, the diluted product in infant formula or porridge should not be stored. Keep this medicine away from children.
If the expiration date of "Smecta" has passed, can I give the child? In the event that the drug is expired, it should not be taken, and even more so given to the baby.
Features of treatment with a similar drug in children
The question that often confronts parents who decide to give the drug to their baby is whether to give the child a drink before or after a meal. It is worth noting that it is better to give this medicine to infants during feeding, combining in a bottle together with the drug and the mixture. After the child drinks the drug, it is necessary to hold it with a column for two minutes, but in no case do not rock it and do not lay it down.
Drug overdose
With a prolonged overdose, severe constipation may develop, among other things, a bezoar stone is formed, which is a lump of dense tiled plant fibers. In this case, you will have to consult a doctor without fail.
Some patients ask: "Smecta has expired, can I take the drug in this case?" If this is done, the development of side symptoms is not ruled out.
Side effects
A digestive system disorder may occur. As a rule, mild constipation is observed that occurs after a dose reduction, as well as allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, rashes, itching, swelling, and so on.
Thus, Smecta is an effective medicine for diarrhea. Penetrating into the digestive system, the drug in question strengthens it, creates a protective barrier in the mucous membrane, helping to restore microscopic beneficial organisms. As part of its use for treatment, a mandatory consultation of a specialist is necessary.