Attapulgite (Oral)

Brand Names : Diar-Aid, Diarrest, Diasorb, Diatrol, Donnagel, Kaopectate, Kaopectate Advanced Formula, Kaopectate Maximum Strength, Kaopek, K-Pek, Parepectolin, Rheaban, Fowler's

Proper Use of This Medicine

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

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

Importance of diet and fluid intake while treating diarrhea :

• In addition to using medicine for diarrhea, it is very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow a proper diet . For the first 24 hours you should eat gelatin and drink plenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, and caffeine and alcoholic beverages may make the condition worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea a serious condition may develop. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if 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 for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of attapulgite.

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

• For diarrhea:
  • For oral dosage form (suspension):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - The usual dose is 1200 to 1500 milligrams (mg) taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 9000 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - The usual dose is 600 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4200 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age - The usual dose is 300 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 2100 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - The usual dose is 1200 to 1500 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 9000 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - The usual dose is 750 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4500 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age - The oral suspension dosage form should be used in this age group.
  • For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - The usual dose is 1200 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 8400 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - The usual dose is 600 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4200 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age - The usual dose is 300 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 2100 mg should be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by 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 sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.