Dosing and uses of Kaopectate Maximum Strength, Diasorb (attapulgite)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
liquid
- 750mg/15mL
tablet
- 600mg
Diarrhea
1.2-1.5 g PO after each loose bowel movement; no more than 8.4 g/24 hours
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 600mg
liquid
- 750mg/15mL
Diarrhea
3-6 years old: 300 mg PO after each loose bowel movement; no more than 2.1 g/24 hours
6-12 years old: 600-750 mg PO after each loose bowel movement; no more than 4.5 g/24 hours
>12 years old: 1.2-1.5 g PO after each loose bowel movement; no more than 8.4 g/24 hours
Geriatric dosage forms and strengths
Diarrhea
1.2-1.5 g PO after each loose bowel movement; no more than 8.4 g/24 hours
Kaopectate Maximum Strength, Diasorb (attapulgite) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Bloating
Dyspepsia
Flatulence
Mild constipation
Nausea
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, bowel obstruction, high fever (r/o infectious diarrhea), dysentery, blood in stool, bleeding ulcers, gout, hemophilia, hemorrhagic states
Cautions
In the US, Kaopectate has been reformulated to bismuth subsalicylate
Avoid use in children <3 years
Do not use for >2 days
Take 2-3 hr before/after other drugs
Elderly, diabetes
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: NA; not absorbed; unlikely to pose any risk during pregnancy
Lactation: no data available; not absorbed; unlikely to pose any risk for nursing
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Kaopectate Maximum Strength, Diasorb (attapulgite)
Mechanism of action
Absorbent action, absorbs fluid in intestine and reduces stool liquidity
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 12-19.5 hr
Metabolism: Not absorbed from GI tract
