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Smecta is a natural aluminosilicate compound with a layered structure and high viscosity. Thanks to the active substance, which is diosmectite, it strongly coats the gastrointestinal mucosa, protecting it against pathogens, irritants, viruses and bacteria. This preparation has an anti-diarrheal effect and has strong adsorptive properties and can be used in children, adolescents and adults.
How does Smecta work? How to take and dose it? What are the indications and contraindications for its use? What side effects can Smecta cause and what precautions should you take when using it?
Smecta – action
Smecta is an over-the-counter drug that has been present on the pharmacy market for many years. This preparation can be found in almost every home medicine cabinet due to its beneficial effect on problems with the digestive system.
Distressing ailments from the digestive system, such as infectious diarrhea or food poisoning, can surprise anyone and under various circumstances, and for these crisis situations it is recommended to use Smecta.
The active substance of the drug is diosmektyt has a positive effect on the digestive system. This compound adsorbs troublesome intestinal gases in adults and shows strong adoptive properties against pathogens colonizing the digestive system.
Smecta also helps to restore the normal permeability of the mucosa. Smecta has strong coating properties in relation to the gastrointestinal mucosa thanks to its layered structure and high plastic viscosity of the preparation.
The protective effect of Smecta on the gastrointestinal mucosa is due to the interaction of the drug with the mucus glycoproteins. As a result, the preparation increases the strength of the mucosa gel to aggressive factors.
Smecta does not in any way inhibit the natural movement of the intestines, the so-called intestinal passage, thanks to which it does not delay the excretion of microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
The lack of systemic effects of Smecta makes it suitable for children.
Smecta is a powder with an orange-vanilla flavor. The drug is available in packs containing 10 or 30 sachets placed in a cardboard box. For a package with 10 sachets you have to pay about PLN 10. On the other hand, a package of Smecta containing 30 sachets costs about PLN 24.
Store the Smecta package in a dry place out of the sight and reach of children. The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The preparation should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines no longer required.
The manufacturer of the drug is Beaufour Ipsen Industrie and the responsible entity is IPSEN Consumer HealthCare, i.e. a company located in France.
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Smecta – composition
The active substance of Smecta is Dioctane mectinor diosmectite, a form of aluminosilicate. The structure of diosmectite determines its strong coating properties on the gastrointestinal mucosa.
One sachet contains 3 g of diosmectite in the form of an aluminosilicate. In addition to the active substance, Smecta contains excipients, which include: glucose monohydrate, sodium saccharin, orange flavor and vanilla flavor. The substances responsible for the taste of the preparation, in their composition additionally contain such substances as:
- orange flavor: maltodextrin, sucrose, acacia [E 414], mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids esterified with mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid [E 472e], silicon dioxide [E 551], orange flavor;
- vanilla flavor: maltodextrin, sucrose, glycerin triacetate [E 1518], silicon dioxide [E 551], ethyl alcohol, soy lecithin [E 322], vanilla flavor.
What are the most common causes of diarrhea? Read: Diarrhea? The five most common reasons why your intestines rebel
Smecta – dosage
Use Smecta according to the directions described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
The powder preparation should be dissolved in a liquid to obtain a suspension, which is administered orally. The contents of the sachet can also be administered after thorough mixing with semi-liquid foods: e.g. broth, fruit or vegetable puree, ready-made meals in children’s jars. The drug should always be taken between meals.
Dosage of the drug Smecta depends on the patient’s age and the symptoms and their severity. In the case of acute diarrhea in adults, 3 sachets a day are used, where initially the dose can be doubled and 6 sachets a day can be administered. The contents of the sachet should be dissolved in half a glass of water each time.
In the case of children under the age of 1, 1 sachet a day, in children from 1 to 2 years of age up to 2 sachets a day, and after the age of 2, from 2 to 3 sachets a day, with the possibility of doubling this dose, i.e. 4 sachets a day. When using the drug in children, dissolve the sachet in 50 ml of water in a bottle and administer in small portions throughout the day.
In case of chronic functional diarrhea in adults, 3 sachets a day are used.
The period of treatment with Smecta should not exceed 3 days and after this period, when symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
During treatment with this drug, an oral rehydration fluid (ORF) should be used simultaneously to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration.
Remember not to exceed the recommended doses, as this does not increase its effectiveness, and may adversely affect the health and life of the patient. If the recommended dose is exceeded, severe constipation or bezoar, i.e. an accumulation of undigested substances in the digestive tract, may occur.
If you are not sure how to take and the dosage of Smecta, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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Smecta – indications
Smecta is a preparation used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used in infants, children and adults. Smecta is one of the most popular preparations indicated in the treatment of acute diarrhea.
Basic indications for the use of the drug Smecta have:
- acute diarrhea in children after 2 years of age in combination with an oral rehydration solution;
- acute diarrhea in adults;
- symptomatic treatment of chronic functional diarrhea in adults.
Using Smecta shortens the duration of diarrhea, reduces the number of stools, protects the gastrointestinal mucosa, and binds and is removed from the body by viruses, bacteria and toxins that contribute to diarrhea.
Can frequent stools mean I am sick? Read on: Is frequent bowel movement a symptom of an illness?
Smecta – contraindications
Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of diarrhea, Smecta cannot be used by every patient struggling with this type of ailments. Certain diseases and other circumstances may constitute a contraindication to the use or an indication to change the dosage of the preparation. There are also situations where certain check-ups should be performed before administering Smecta or consulting a doctor or pharmacist before using the preparation.
The main contraindication to the use of Smecta is showing hypersensitivity, i.e. the university to diosmectite or any other component of the preparation, which include, among others: glucose monohydrate, sodium saccharin, vanilla flavor and orange flavor. In addition, due to the fact that Smecta contains some sugars, i.e. glucose and sucrose (a component of vanilla and orange flavors), the drug is contraindicated in people:
- with hereditary disorders related to fructose intolerance;
- with malabsorption of glucose and galactose;
- with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (rare inherited diseases).
Moreover, the contraindication in the treatment of diarrhea with Smecta is the occurrence of chronic constipation in the patient at any time.
The preparation is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and to be especially careful in infants and children up to the age of 2.
If you have any doubts about the use of Smecta, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately and inform about all your medical conditions, diseases and any medications you are taking, even those that are available without a prescription.
How To Treat Diarrhea During Pregnancy? Read on: Diarrhea in pregnancy – causes, treatment, risks
Smecta – side effects
Smecta can cause side effects and side effects that may not necessarily be experienced by everyone who uses the medicine. It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.
The general classification of the frequency of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare ( ≥100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the expected benefits of using Smecta are usually greater than the harm resulting from side effects.
Side effects that may occur after using Smecta include:
- common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): constipation;
- uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): rash;
- rare side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 10): hives (itchy rash);
- Not known: various allergic reactions (reddening of the skin, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, fainting, collapse).
If you notice any of the above symptoms, stop using Smecta and consult your doctor immediately.
The occurrence of side effects after the use of Smecta can be reported directly to the Department of Monitoring Adverse Effects of Medicinal Products, Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw.
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Precautions when using Smecta
Before using Smecta, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, information on side effects, dosage and information on precautions when using this medicine.
The most important precautions to be taken while using Smecta include:
- non-use of the drug in the case of intolerance to certain sugars;
- not taking the drug if you have a history of severe constipation;
- long-term and frequent use of Smecta is not recommended without consulting a doctor;
- tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you are taking, or have recently taken, and about any drugs you plan to take, including those over the counter;
- the drug may interact with some drugs used orally and, due to its adsorption properties, may reduce the rate of absorption, therefore a 2-hour interval between Smecta and other drugs should be maintained;
- Adequate hydration is important when treating diarrhea with Smecta, including a large amount of salty or sweet drinks (the water requirement in adults is 2 liters);
- food intake should be maintained until diarrhea has resolved, but with the exception of some of them, especially raw vegetables and fruits, green vegetables, spicy dishes, and frozen foods or drinks, grilled meat and rice are preferred;
- in case of constipation, stop using the preparation;
- if symptoms do not improve within 3 days, consult your doctor.
Despite the fact that the drug is available without a prescription and can be used by children and adults, you should take precautions when using it and if you experience disturbing symptoms or in case of doubt, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
How Effectively Can Diarrhea Be Treated? Check: Treatment for diarrhea – effective treatments