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KAOLIN AND PECTIN

Medical Diagnosis and Drugs, Medications
KAOLIN AND PECTIN
(kay'oh-lin and pek'tin)
Kaolin w/Pectin
Classifications: antidiarrheal;
Therapeutic: antidiarrheal
Prototype: Loperamide
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

5.2 g Kaolin/260 mg pectin/30 mL, 90 g Kaolin/2 g pectin/30 mL

Action

Kaolin is hydrated aluminum silicate adsorpant. Kaolin is reported to have adsorbent, protectant, and demulcent properties. Mechanism of action of pectin may help consolidate stool.

Therapeutic Effect

Effective as an antidiarrheal agent.

Uses

Adjunct in symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe acute diarrhea. Commonly used in antidiarrheal combination products.

Contraindications

Suspected obstructive bowel lesion, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea associated with bacterial toxins; presence of fever; use for more than 48 h without medical direction; pregnancy (category C), lactation.

Cautious Use

Infants or children ≤3 y, older adults.

Route & Dosage

Diarrhea
Adult: PO 60–120 mL of regular suspension or 45–90 mL of concentrated suspension after each loose bowel movement
Child: PO 3–5 y, 15–30 mL regular suspension or 15 mL concentrated suspension after each loose bowel movement; 6–11 y, 30–60 mL regular suspension or 30 mL concentrated suspension after each loose bowel movement; ≥12 y, 60 mL regular suspension or 45 mL concentrated suspension after each loose bowel movement

Administration

Oral
  • Administer at least 2–4 h before other oral medications.
  • Shake suspension well before pouring.
  • Store in tightly closed container at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F) unless otherwise directed. Protect from freezing.

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

GI: Constipation usually mild and transient.

Interactions

Drug: Chloroquine, digoxin, penicillamine, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and most other drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Not absorbed from GI tract.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

  • Assess for abdominal distension and number of stools per day.
  • Note: Fecal impaction may result from taking kaolin and pectin, especially in older adults.
  • Note: Drug may decrease absorption of any orally administered medication.

Patient & Family Education

  • Do not exceed prescribed dosage.
  • Notify physician if diarrhea is not controlled within 48 h or if fever develops.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug

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