1. Mechanism of action, indications of Smecta and who should take it?
1.1. Mechanism of action
The active ingredient of Smecta is Diosmectite - a natural silicate of aluminium and magnesium that can cover the lining of intestinal tract thanks to the structure of parallel layers of thin leaves and high viscosity.
Diosmectite interacts with glycoproteins of the mucous membrane covering the digestive tract, so it increases the protective effect of the gastrointestinal mucosa when it is invaded by foreign agents. Due to its high adhesion and absorption ability, Diosmectite can create a protective barrier for the digestive mucosa.
Smecta can bind to bacterial toxins in the intestine, and also to other drugs that slow absorption or make them ineffective, especially antibiotics such as tetracyclines.
1.2. Indications
Smecta drug is indicated in the following cases:
- Symptomatic treatment of pain caused by inflammation of the esophagus - stomach - duodenum and colon.
- Acute and chronic diarrhea after adequate hydration and electrolytes but also prolonged diarrhea.
1.3. Who should take Smecta?
According to instructions of Smecta, it can be used in both children and adults. However, it should be noted when using in some special individuals below.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women:
Currently, there is insufficient data on this group, so those should avoid taking Smecta.
Children under 2 years:
Diosmectite is originally from clay, so it may contain heavy metals in the environment.
From a study conducted by ISPEN (the company that manufactures Smecta), there was no risk of lead contamination shown in the blood of adults treated with Smecta for 5 weeks. However, data on children under 2 years of age are insufficient, so it is recommended by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products(ANSM) to be cautious when using Diosmectite in children under 2 years of age.
2. Dosage of Smecta for the treatment of diarrhea
| Children of 2 years old and above | Adults | |
|---|---|---|
| Acute diarrhea | The first 3 - 4 days: 4 sachets/day Then: 2 sachets/day for 4 days | Average: 3 sachets/day for 7 days (The dose might be doubled in the beginning of the treatment) |
| Others: | Smecta is not recommended | Average: 3 sachets/day |
Smecta is made in a sachet of powder for oral suspension. Shake and stir well before each use and use immediately after mixing with water.
Time to take Smecta: After meals with patients with esophagitis. Take away from meals for patients with diarrhea indications.
3. Precautions when using Smecta
Here are some precautions to use Smecta:
- Smecta acts as an adsorbent and is indicated in the treatment of diarrhea. However, in the treatment of diarrhea, rehydration and electrolytes are also important. The amount of fluid can be taken orally or intravenously, and must be adjusted according to the degree of diarrhea, age, and disease condition.
- Diarrhea is a common symptom of many diseases. Therefore, if diarrhea is prolonged or diarrhea is accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, bloody stools, etc. It is necessary to consult a doctor to diagnose the cause and have an appropriate treatment plan.
- Smecta can absorb other medications, so it may affect the time and rate of absorption of those, so taking Smecta 2 hours of taking others.
Smecta is highly effective in treating short- and long-term diarrhea, but it needs to be used in the correct dosage and prescribed by a doctor. Misinformation about safe drug use can cause health risks to patients.
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References:
Smecta product manuals National Pharmacopoeia 2015 Uptodate: Treatise “Acute viral gastroenteritis in children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention”
