What is a dioctahedral smectite? Instructions

What is smectite dioctahedral? Instructions for the use of the preparation containing this component will be presented below. Also you will learn about the features of this substance and its purpose.

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Dioctahedral smectite is a medicinal substance that belongs to a group of antidiarrheal agents used to treat conditions that are accompanied by digestive disorders.

What kind of drug does the component include? Dioctahedral smectite is the active substance of the medicine "Smecta". Also included in this medication are additional chemical compounds such as orange or vanilla flavors, sodium saccharinate and dextrose monohydrate.

Dioctahedral smectite is a fine-grained powder of grayish-white color with a not very pronounced orange or vanilla flavor. It is sold in laminated packages of 3 g.

Action of drug substance

Dioctahedral smectite is of its chemical nature 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 functioning of the intestine.

One can not help saying that the substance in question stabilizes the physico-chemical properties of digestive mucus, which normalizes its quantity, and also significantly improves the barrier properties.

Smectite in recommended doses does not change the intestinal motility, does not cause soreness, swelling, does not contribute to a change in the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestinal tube.

It should also be noted that smectite is dioctahedral, analogues of which can be found in any pharmacy, not radiopaque. Therefore, drugs based on it can be used even before the 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 effect 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 impaired barrier properties of the digestive system do not change this index. From the patient's body the component under consideration is displayed in an unchanged form. And the rate of excretion of the drug depends on the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

Indications

Taking medication based on smectite is possible with the following indications:

• Diarrhea of an infectious origin;
• Diarrhea of allergic or toxic origin;
• Therapy of dyspeptic phenomena, including heartburn, belching, bloating and so on.

Despite the fact that such medicines are sold freely in pharmacies, a comprehensive examination should be performed before they are used, as the cause of diarrhea can be hidden in more serious diseases.

Contraindications

Taking medications based on smectite is unacceptable in the presence of the following diseases:

• Intestinal obstruction, including partial obstruction;
• 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 agent in question is possible, since smectite is not absorbed from the intestine and does not enter the bloodstream.

Smectite dioctahedral: instruction

It is recommended to take the powder in question in the amount of 3 sachets per day. The maximum dosage is 6 packs. To prepare a drug suspension, the contents of the package must be dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water. For the child as a solvent, it is allowed to use porridge, baby food, puree or compote. You need to consume the ready-made medicine between meals. If the patient is diagnosed with esophagitis, then the medication should be consumed immediately after a meal.

Drink the drug is not recommended. Duration of treatment with this drug varies from 3 to 7 days. If the 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 argue that the substance in question can cause constipation. However, it should be noted that this phenomenon is extremely rare and occurs after a change in the dosage regimen. Also, some patients may experience flatulence and vomiting. In addition, cases of development of hypersensitivity reactions, including rashes on the skin, itching, hives, angioedema, were often recorded.

Analogues of this remedy are such drugs as Neosmectin, Diosmectite, and also activated carbon, Lactofiltrum, Microcele, Lignosorb, Filterrim-STI, Polysorb MP, Enterodez, Polyphepanum " and others.