Attapulgite is a medicine to relieve diarrhea. Although it is included in over-the-counter drugs can be purchased without a doctor's prescription, this drug needs to be takenuse accordingly suggestion doctor to be safer.
Attapulgite works by slowing down bowel movements, helping to make stools denser, and reducing stomach cramps in people who have diarrhea. This drug is also able to bind to bacteria or toxins that cause diarrhea and reduce fluid loss.
Attapulgit is not the mainstay of therapy for diarrhea in children. Diarrhea in children is generally caused by rotavirus infection. The main therapy is to prevent dehydration by maintaining the body's fluid levels are reduced due to diarrhea due to rotavirus infection.
Keep in mind that this medicine cannot cure the disease that causes diarrhea.
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What is Attapulgite
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Antidiarrhea |
| Benefit | Treat diarrhea |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 6 years old |
| Attapulgite for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. Attapulgite is not absorbed into breast milk. However, if you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. |
| Drug form | Tablets and Caplets |
Warning Before Taking Attapulgite
Before taking attapulgite, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take attapulgite if you are allergic to this drug.
- Consult a doctor before giving attapulgite to seniors over 60 years of age and children under 12 years of age.
- Consult your doctor before using attapulgit if you have asthma, enlarged prostate, intestinal obstruction, diarrhea accompanied by fever, or impaired kidney function.
- Talk to your doctor about using attapulgit if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor about using attapulgit if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking attapulgite.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Attapulgite
The attapulgite dose will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition and age. In general, the following are the doses of attapulgite based on the patient's age:
- Adults and children 12 years of age:2 tablets after each bowel movement. The maximum dose is 12 tablets a day.
- child age 6–12 years old: 1 tablet after every bowel movement. The maximum dose is 6 tablets a day.
How to Take Attapulgite Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the drug information listed on the packaging label when taking attapulgite.
This medicine can be taken before or after meals. Use a glass of water to swallow the attapulgite tablet whole. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet as this may increase side effects.
During diarrhea, it is important to prevent dehydration by consuming plenty of fluids.
Attapulgite is only used to treat diarrhea that occurs in a short period of time. This drug also can not cure the disease that underlies the occurrence of diarrhea. Immediately consult a doctor if diarrhea does not subside or signs and symptoms of dehydration occur.
Store attapulgite at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid sun exposure. Keep out of reach of children.
Interaction Attapulgite with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that may occur when taking attapulgite along with other medicines:
- Decreased effectiveness of the drug trihexyphenidyl or dolutegravir
- Increased risk of side effects when used with opioid drugs, such as morphine, methadone, or oxycodone
Side Effects and Dangers of Attapulgite
Some of the common side effects that may occur after using attapulgite are:
- Constipation
- Nauseous
- Bloated
- Stomach pain
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction that can be characterized by symptoms, such as an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips and eyelids, or difficulty breathing.