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Attapulgite
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(at a PULL gite)

U.S. Brand Names
Children's Kaopectate®[OTC]; Diasorb®[OTC]; Kaopectate® Advanced Formula [OTC]; Kaopectate® Maximum Strength Caplets; Rheaban®[OTC]

Generic Available

Yes


Pharmacological Index

Antidiarrheal


Use

Symptomatic treatment of diarrhea


Pregnancy Risk Factor

B


Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to attapulgite or any component


Adverse Reactions

The powder, if chronically inhaled, can cause pneumoconiosis, since it contains large amounts of silica


Drug Interactions

Decreased GI absorption of orally administered clindamycin, tetracyclines, penicillamine, digoxin


Mechanism of Action

Controls diarrhea because of its absorbent action


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Not absorbed from GI tract


Usual Dosage

Oral:

<3 years: Not recommended

3-6 years: 750 mg/dose up to 2250 mg/24 hours

6-12 years: 1200-1500 mg/dose up to 4500 mg/24 hours

Adults: 1200-1500 mg after each loose bowel movement or every 2 hours; 15-30 mL up to 8 times/day, up to 9000 mg/24 hours


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive GI effects (constipation)


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Do not give oral drugs concomitantly with Kaopectate® due to decreased GI absorption


Patient Information

If diarrhea is not controlled in 48 hours, contact a physician


Nursing Implications

Shake well before administering; re-evaluate cause of diarrhea if not controlled in 48 hours; diarrhea should also be treated by diet, ie, clear liquids, bland foods, and no dairy products for first 24-48 hours

Monitor for signs of fluid and electrolyte loss


Dosage Forms

Liquid, oral concentrate: 600 mg/15 mL (180 mL, 240 mL, 360 mL, 480 mL); 750 mg/15 mL (120 mL)

Tablet: 750 mg

Chewable: 300 mg, 600 mg


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