Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: attapulgite
BRAND NAME: Rheaban; Kaopectate Advanced Formula; Parepectolin; Diasorb; Diatrol; Donnagel
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Attapulgite is an oral, nonabsorbed medication that is used in the management
of diarrhea. It works by adsorbing (binding) large numbers of bacteria and toxins
and reducing the loss of water. Attapulgite reduces the number of
bowel movements, improves the consistency of loose or watery stools, and
relieves the gastrointestinal cramping that often is associated with diarrhea.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PRESCRIPTION: no
PREPARATIONS: Liquid, concentrated liquid, or suspension: 600mg
or 750mg per tablespoonful (15ml) or per teaspoonful (5ml). Chewable
tablets: 600mg. Tablets or caplets: 600mg, 750mg.
STORAGE: Preparations should be stored at room temperature,
15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Attapulgite is used for the short-term treatment
of diarrhea.
DOSING: Attapulgite is taken after each loose bowel movement.
Adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years may take 1.2 to 1.5 grams
per dose, up to 9 grams per day. Children 6 to 12 years of age may take 600
to 750 mg after each loose bowel movement and up to 4.5 grams per day.
Children 3 to 6 years of age may take 300 to 375 mg after each loose bowel
movement up to a total of 7 doses per day.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Attapulgite can decrease the absorption of
benztropine (Cogentin), trihexyphenidyl (Artane), loxapine (Loxitane) and
dicyclomine (Bentyl) if taken at the same time. These medications should be taken at
least 2 hours earlier or later than attapulgite. Opiate pain relievers, for example, oxycodone (Percocet),
hydrocodone (Vicodin), propoxyphene (Darvon), morphine, and codeine cause
constipation, and attapulgite (and other antidiarrheals) can make the constipation caused by these drugs worse.
PREGNANCY: Attapulgite is safe during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Attapulgite is safe to use in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation is the main side effect of
attapulgite.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 6/8/1999 10:43:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Diarrhea - Read the causes of diarrhea including infections, parasites, food poisoning, medications, IBS, IBD, cancer, endocrine disease, fat malabsorption, laxative abuse and more.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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