What is kaopectate?
Kaopectate® is the trademark of a medicine that uses the combination of three active ingredients that are neomycin (1) , kaolin (2) and pectin, chemical and natural substances, which together form part of the line of antiseptic and antidiarrheal medicines. to treat some conditions of the digestive tract .
To be highlighted: This pharmaceutical product is made by the company named GENOMMA LABORATORIES MÉXICO, SA DE CV (3)
What is kaopectate used for?
- Thanks to its components, kaopectate® has a highly effective antimicrobial effect against the most frequent bacteria in the etiology and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal infections, in addition to generating protection in the mucous membranes of the intestines , reducing bowel movements and promoting the elimination of toxins. . (4)
- It is used to treat:
- Acute diarrhea , caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacter and Proteus . (5)
Dosage and routes of administration of kaopectate
The presentation of kaopectate® is in the form of tablets, which contain neomycin sulfate equivalent to 129 mg of neomycin base, 280 mg kaolin and 30 mg pectin. The administration is orally and the dosage as a reference, can be the following:
- Children 6 to 11 years of age: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours.
- Children over 12 years: 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
- Adults: 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours for three days.
kaopectate side effects
Clinical data indicate that treatment with kaopectate® may cause, in a certain patient population , some of the following adverse effects:
- Possible allergic reactions due to contact with any component of the formula.
- Nausea, vomiting , constipation , and abdominal pain .
- In nephropathy, dehydrated and elderly patients, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity may occur.
Important: If you observe the manifestation of any of these symptoms or others not included in this list, please discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Contraindications and warnings of kaopectate
The use of kaopectate® is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the formula’s components.
- Patients with intestinal obstruction.
- People with idiosyncrasy to the components of the formula.
- In children under 6 years of age.
- Women in pregnancy period.
- During breastfeeding .
You should know: Before starting treatment with this medicine, provide your doctor with all the information regarding your health history .
Avoid if you have:
- History of hypersensitivity to the components of kaopectate®.
Warnings:
- Products such as kaopectate® must be administered with a prescription or prescription.
- Do not take this medicine in case of severe abdominal pain.
- You should be careful in those cases where the number of bowel movements does not decrease in the expected time, consult your doctor.
- Special caution should be exercised in patients with previous kidney and hearing damage.
- Keep this medicine away from children.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.