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