ATTAPULGITE (Oral)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Diar-Aid
• Diarrest
• Diasorb
• Diatrol
• Donnagel
• Kaopek
• K-Pek
• Parepectolin
• Rheaban

Note:

Kaopectate did contain attapulgite and was reformulated in 2003.It now contains bismuth subsalicylate.

In Canada?

• Fowler's
• Kaopectate

Category

• Antidiarrheal, adsorbent

Description

Attapulgite (at-a-PULL-gite) is taken by mouth to treat diarrhea. Attapulgiteis a clay-like powder believed to work by adsorbing the bacteria or germ thatmay be causing the diarrhea.

This medicine is available without a prescription; however, the product'sdirections and warnings should be carefully followed. In addition, your doctormay have special instructions on the proper dose or use of attapulgite medicinefor your medical condition.

Attapulgite is available in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Attapulgite
  • Oral suspension (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Chewable tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

If you are taking this medicinewithout a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label.For attapulgite, the following should be considered:

Pregnancy?This medicine is not absorbed into the body and isnot likely to cause problems.

Breast-feeding?This medicine is not absorbed into the body andis not likely to cause problems.

Children?The fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in asevere condition. For this reason, antidiarrheals must not be given to youngchildren (under 3 years of age) without first checking with their doctor.In older children with diarrhea, antidiarrheals may be used, but it is alsovery important that a sufficient amount of liquids be given to replace thefluid lost by the body. If you have any questions about this, check with yourhealth care professional.

Older adults?The fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in asevere condition. For this reason, elderly persons with diarrhea, in additionto using an antidiarrheal, must receive a sufficient amount of liquids toreplace the fluid lost by the body. If you have any questions about this,check with your health care professional.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. If you are taking any other medicine, do not take it within 2 to 3 hours ofattapulgite. Taking the medicines at the same time may prevent theother medicine from being absorbed by your body. If you have any questionsabout this, check with your health care professional.

Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of attapulgite. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Dysentery?This condition may get worse; a different kind oftreatment may be needed

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not use attapulgite to treat your diarrhea if you have a fever or if thereis blood or mucus in your stools. Contact your doctor.

Take this medicine after each loose bowel movement following the directionsin the product package, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Importance of diet and fluid intake while treatingdiarrhea:

• In addition to using medicine for diarrhea, itis very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow aproper diet. For the first 24 hours you should eat gelatin and drinkplenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinatedtea, and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such ascooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, friedor spicy foods, bran, candy, and caffeine and alcoholic beverages may makethe condition worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea aserious condition may develop. Check with your doctor as soon as possibleif any of the following occurs:
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosing?The dose of attapulgite will be different fordifferent patients. Follow your doctor's orders or thedirections on the label. The following information includes only theaverage doses of attapulgite.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take dependson the strength of the medicine.

• For diarrhea:
  • For oral dosage form (suspension):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older?The usual doseis 1200 to 1500 milligrams (mg) taken after each loose bowel movement. Nomore than 9000 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age?The usual dose is 600 mg takenafter each loose bowel movement. No more than 4200 mg should be taken in twenty-fourhours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age?The usual dose is 300 mg takenafter each loose bowel movement. No more than 2100 mg should be taken in twenty-fourhours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age?Use and dose must be determinedby your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older?The usual doseis 1200 to 1500 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 9000mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age?The usual dose is 750 mg takenafter each loose bowel movement. No more than 4500 mg should be taken in twenty-fourhours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age?The oral suspension dosage formshould be used in this age group.
  • For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older?The usual doseis 1200 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 8400 mg shouldbe taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age?The usual dose is 600 mg takenafter each loose bowel movement. No more than 4200 mg should be taken in twenty-fourhours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age?The usual dose is 300 mg takenafter each loose bowel movement. No more than 2100 mg should be taken in twenty-fourhours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age?Use and dose must be determinedby your doctor.

Storage?To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop after1 or 2 days or if you develop a fever.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects,a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. No serious side effects have beenreported for this medicine. However, constipation may occur in some patients,especially if they take a lot of it. Check with your doctor as soon as possibleif constipation continues or is bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Ifyou notice any other effects, check with your doctor.