Kaolin and Pectin (Oral)

Brand Names : Kao-Spen, Kapectolin, K-P, Donnagel-MB

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not use kaolin and pectin combination 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, following the directions in the product package, after each loose bowel movement until the diarrhea is controlled, 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 signs or symptoms of too much fluid loss occur:
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosing - The dose of kaolin and pectin combination 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 kaolin and pectin.

The number of tablespoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For diarrhea:
  • For oral dosage form (suspension):
    • Adults - The usual dose is 4 to 8 tablespoonfuls (60 to 120 milliliters [mL]) taken after each loose bowel movement.
    • Children 12 years of age and over - The usual dose is 3 to 4 tablespoonfuls (45 to 60 mL) taken after each loose bowel movement.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - The usual dose is 2 to 4 tablespoonfuls (30 to 60 mL) taken after each loose bowel movement.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age - The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls (15 to 30 mL) taken after each loose bowel movement.
    • 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 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.