Attapulgite

Attapulgite is discontinued. In the U.S., Kaopectate has been reformulated to bismuth subsalicylate.

• Attapulgite is available under the following different brand names: Kaopectate Maximum Strength, Diasorb, and K-Pek.

Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths

Liquid

• 750mg/15mL

Tablet

• 600mg

Diarrhea

• Adults, children 12 years and older, and geriatric patients: 1.2-1.5 g orally after each loose bowel movement; no more than 8.4 g/24 hours
• Children 6-12 years old: 600-750 mg orally after each loose bowel movement; no more than 4.5 g/24 hours
• Children 3-6 years old: 300 mg orally after each loose bowel movement; no more than 2.1 g/24 hours

Common side effects of Attapulgite include:

• Bloating
• Indigestion/heartburn
• Gas (flatulence)
• Mild constipation
• Nausea

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Attapulgite has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Attapulgite has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Attapulgite has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of attapulgite include:
  • chlorpromazine
  • fluphenazine
  • perphenazine
  • prochlorperazine
  • promazine
  • promethazine
  • thioridazine
  • trifluoperazine

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains attapulgite. Do not take Kaopectate Maximum Strength, Diasorb, or K-Pek if you are allergic to attapulgite or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity, bowel obstruction, high fever (rule out infectious diarrhea), dysentery, blood in stool, bleeding ulcers, gout, hemophilia, hemorrhagic states

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Attapulgite?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Attapulgite?"

Cautions

• In the U.S., Kaopectate has been reformulated to bismuth subsalicylate
• Avoid use in children under 3 years
• Do not use for more than 2 days
• Take 2-3 hours before/after other drugs
• Elderly, diabetes

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There is no information available on attapulgite use during pregnancy. Attapulgite is not absorbed systemically. It is unlikely to pose any risk during pregnancy.
• There are no data available on attapulgite use while breastfeeding. Attapulgite is not absorbed. It is unlikely to pose any risk for nursing. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.