Antidiarrheal, sorption and antitoxic effects of the drug are due to the properties of diosmectite. The instructions for use "Smecta" contains the entire list of indications. It is indicated that the medicine is used as a symptomatic remedy for diseases of the digestive tract.

The composition (active substance) of the drug

Smecta is one of the first products of the pharmaceutical company Ipsen (Ipsen). The preparation contains smectite dioctahedral (aluminosilicate of natural origin). The mass of the active ingredient in a single dose of the drug is 3 g. Auxiliary components in the composition - ascorbic acid, dextrose, vanillin, flavoring - provide a pleasant taste (orange or caramel).

Famous pediatrician E. Komarovsky argues that Smecta for children should always be in the family medicine cabinet.

Diosmectite is obtained from specially treated white clay mined in volcanic deposits on about. Sardinia The breed goes through 3 stages of cleaning. The final product meets the high requirements in the field of drug safety (PM).

Pharmacological action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Pharmacological action of diosmectite is an adsorbent-cytomucoprotector. The total surface area characterizing the sorption capacity of a substance is 10 times higher than that of activated carbon.The adsorbing effect is manifested in the rapid binding of pathogenic microbes, their toxins, gases in the intestine, followed by excretion from the body with stool.

Diosmectitis, like other intestinal sorbents, removes poisons of various origins from the gastrointestinal tract. The binding of gas molecules eliminates flatulence, as a result, digestion, sleep and overall well-being improve, and blood supply to the intestines increases.

It was proved in experiments that Smecta adsorbs bacteria, viral particles, and toxins. Thanks to the medication, the load on the immune system, liver and kidneys is reduced, allergies, intoxication of the body disappear or soften.

The drug is able to suppress pathogenic bacteria and stimulate the growth of a beneficial component in the intestinal microbiota.

Diosmectite has an antacid effect (antacid). Smecta provides protection and regeneration of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Particles of the active substance can be embedded in the structure of the intestinal mucosa. After ingestion, Smecta creates a film on the surface that protects against the attachment of microbes. The cytomucoprotective effect leads to the restoration of damaged cells of the intestinal wall.

What helps Smecta for children and adults

Pharmacological properties and safety of the composition are taken into account by doctors, prescribing a medicine to patients with poisoning, diarrhea, gastrointestinal diseases. Patients, knowing why Smecta helps, can use the product at home, on a trip. The drug is given to children, including infants older than 1 month, adults, including pregnant and breast-feeding women, the elderly.

What diseases and conditions are treated with the drug:

  • manifestations of functional dyspepsia with a violation of the usual diet;
  • heartburn, bloating, a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach;
  • acute or chronic diarrhea of ​​any etiology;
  • inflammatory bowel disease;
  • food and other types of allergies.

With diarrhea of ​​infectious etiology, a combination of Smecta with an antimicrobial agent will provide more effective and quicker relief.

With severe pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, severe pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea occurs. In such cases, you should call an ambulance as soon as possible. For various forms of severity of diarrhea, treatment for dehydration (oral or intravenous rehydration), intestinal sorbent, and antidiarrheal agents are required. With moderate and severe diarrhea, rotavirus infection, you can take activated charcoal and Smecta at the same time to quickly remove toxins.

Instructions for use, how to dilute the powder

Ready-to-use suspension is taken directly from a small bag. You can also breed "Smecta", produced in this dosage form. To do this, just pour the product into a glass and dilute with water. This is usually done when a child needs treatment. The powder of diosmectite in a sachet for a single dose must be diluted with water to a state of suspension.

In case of acute diarrhea, it is recommended that breast infants receive one sachet twice a day. This dosing regimen is followed for 3 days, then reduce the dose to one sachet. The most sparing for kids is considered to be the reception of "Smecta" during the day with food or drinks.

Children over 12 months old are given the contents of 4 sachets with a suspension (divided into two doses). After 3 days, reduce the amount of the drug to two sachets. The powder or suspension is dissolved in a baby bottle of water (50 - 100 ml), they are offered to drink during the day.

The daily dose for adults is 6 packets of Smecta suspension. With other indications, the dosage is reduced by 2 times for all categories of patients.

The instructions indicate how to take the drug before meals or after. So, Smecta is recommended to give the patient between meals.

The fact is that adsorbents can absorb and excrete some vitamins.If you drink the medicine 1 - 2 hours after eating, then fewer bioactive substances will fall into the pores - “traps” of the intestinal sorbent.

Only with heartburn and reflux esophagitis, Smecta is taken immediately after eating. Then the drug will better show a protective effect. Diosmectite will protect the gastric mucosa from the destructive effect of acid. This property distinguishes Smecta from activated carbon.

During pregnancy and lactation

"Smecta" with vomiting helps reduce intoxication in the first trimester. You can use the medicine in the subsequent pregnancy, and then continue treatment during breastfeeding. Admission recommended by adults should be followed. Dose adjustment is not necessary.

Drug interaction

A negative feature of adsorbents used in medicine is the absorption of other drugs. With simultaneous use, the therapeutic effect of the latter is reduced. If the molecules of drugs are suitable in size to the pores of the sorbent, they are absorbed and excreted. For this reason, it is necessary to take a break of 2 hours between taking the drug and Smecta.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

The list of diseases and conditions in which Smecta is not prescribed is short. Contraindications are intolerance to ingredients, hypersensitivity to fructose, malabsorption of glucose, galactose, sucrose and intestinal obstruction.

A common side effect of Smecta treatment is constipation. Occasionally, other negative manifestations (itching, urticaria, Quincke's edema) are found. To avoid constipation, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and drink more water. Optimal is the intake of 1.5 liters of fluid per day.

Analogues of antidiarrheal drug

Diosmectitis are part of other drugs. Complete analogues of Smecta on the active substance, its content, form of release are Russian-made products: Diosmectit, Neosmectin, Endosorb. Domestic drugs are cheaper than foreign drugs.

Group analogues are all intestinal sorbents. The composition is different, but the mechanism of action has much in common.

Adsorbents for oral administration:

  • "Polyphepan" and its analogues ("Filtrum-STI", "Polyfan");
  • Activated carbon, its structural analogues;
  • Enterosgel;
  • "White coal";
  • Polysorb.

Which is better, Smecta or Enterosgel, depends on the type of disease. "Smecta" is often prescribed for food poisoning, diarrhea, esophagitis, flatulence. Enterosgel is effective for allergic diseases, viral hepatitis, poisoning with potent substances. The price of Smecta bags and its Russian counterparts is about the same - 140 rubles (10 pcs.). The cost of Enterosgel is higher - 390 rubles (a tube with paste), 520 rubles (10 bags).

Smecta is a drug for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea. Diarrhea is caused by pathogenic viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Diarrhea is accompanied by many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, taking antibiotics. Pediatricians prescribe Smecta for children with heartburn and flatulence, food poisoning, diarrhea, and viral enteritis. Adults take this remedy for the same conditions and diseases.

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