Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? No
- Available as generic? Yes
- Drug class: Antidiarrheal
Uses
Treats diarrhea. Used in conjunction with fluids, appropriate
diet and rest. Treats symptoms only. Does not cure any disorder
that causes diarrhea.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablets--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole,
crumble tablet and take with liquid or food. Instructions
to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after
eating.
Chewable tablets--Chew well before swallowing.
When to take:
2 hours before or 3 hours after taking any other oral medications.
Outside of this restriction, take a dose after each loose
bowel movement until diarrhea is controlled.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember, then resume regular schedule.
What drug does:
Absorbs bacteria and toxins and reduces water loss. Attapulgite
does not get absorbed into the body.
Time lapse before drug works:
5 to 8 hours.
Don't take with:
See interaction section and consult doctor.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
None expected.
WHAT TO DO:
Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger
amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center
or hospital emergency room for instructions.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
Common:
Infrequent:
Constipation (usually mild and of short duration).
Rare:
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to attapulgite.
- You or your doctor suspects intestinal obstruction.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you are dehydrated (signs are a dry mouth, loose skin,
sunken eyes and parched lips).
Over age 60:
- Dehydration is more likely in this age group.
- Side effects of constipation are more likely.
Pregnancy:
No proven problems. Consult doctor.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Use only under close medical supervision for children up to
3 years of age. This age group is quite susceptible to fluid
and electrolyte loss.
Prolonged use:
Not intended for prolonged use.
Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
Others:
No special problems expected.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
