Kaolin and pectin may be indicated
as an adjunct to rest, fluids,
and an appropriate diet in
the symptomatic treatment of
mild to moderately acute diarrhea.
Use is recommended in chronic
diarrhea only as temporary
symptomatic treatment until
the etiology is determined.
Mechanism
of action/Effect:
Adsorbent
and protectant. Kaolin is a
natural hydrated aluminum
silicate
that is believed to adsorb
large numbers of bacteria
and toxins and reduce water
loss.
Pectin is a polyuronic polymer
for which the mechanism of
action is unknown. Pectin
consists of purified carbohydrate
extracted
from citrus fruit or apple
pomace. Studies have shown
no decrease in stool frequency
or fecal weight and water
content with this combination
even
though stools appeared more
formed.
Dosage:
Up
to 1 year 5ml Every 3-4 Hours,
1 to
6 years 10ml Every 3-4 Hours,
6 to 12 years 15ml Every
3-4
Hours, 12 years and above
15ml Every 3-4 Hours (Or
as advised
by physician). Absorption:
Not absorbed (up to 90%
of pectin is decomposed in
gastrointestinal
tract).
Precautions to
Consider Pregnancy/Reproduction:
Pregnancy—Problems
in humans have not been
documented. Kaolin and pectin
combination
is poorly absorbed after
oral administration. Nursing
Mother:
Problems in humans have
not been documented. Kaolin
and
pectin combination is
poorly absorbed after oral
administration.
Pediatrics:
In
infants and children up to
3 years
of age
with diarrhea, use
is not recommended unless directed
by a physician
because of the risk
of
fluid and electrolyte loss.
Oral
rehydration therapy
is recommended in children
with
diarrhea to
prevent loss of fluids
and electrolytes.
Geriatrics:
In
geriatric patients
with diarrhea, caution is
recommended because
of the risk of fluid
and
electrolyte loss; these
patients
should
be referred to a
physician.
Drug
interactions and/or
related problems:
Oral
medications, other (prolonged
use
of adsorbents
may interfere with
absorption of other oral
agents administered concurrently;
it is recommended
that kaolin and
pectin combination be administered
at least 2
to 3 hours before
or
after other oral medications
Constipation: usually
mild and transient,
but may rarely
lead
to
fecal impaction Precautions
while
using this medication:
Kaolin and pectin combination
should
not be used if
diarrhea is accompanied by
fever
or if
there is blood
or mucus in the stool. Checking
with physician
if diarrhea is
not
controlled within 48 hours
and/or
fever develops Taking
doses
of other
oral medications
2 to 3
hours before or after
doses of kaolin
and pectin combination.
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