Smecta for poisoning

Being an antidiarrheal gastrointestinal protector, that is, a remedy that protects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, Smecta exhibits its adsorbing properties in case of poisoning.

Therefore, answering the question of whether Smecta can be used in cases of poisoning, experts note the advisability of its use, first of all, for young children - due to the real threat of rapid dehydration during diarrhea. And, although conventional anti-diarrhea drugs are not used in detoxification therapy (since vomiting and diarrhea are a physiological way of cleansing the body of toxic substances), the use of Smecta - due to its adsorbing properties - is also acceptable for adults. [ 1 ]

Indications Smecta for poisoning

Smecta is mainly used for diarrhea - in the complex treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases accompanied by acute and chronic diarrhea of various origins.

Does Smecta help with poisoning? According to the official instructions, this remedy is effective for diarrhea and poisoning caused by food errors, that is, in the complex treatment of food toxic infections - acute gastroenteritis due to food poisoning; so-called traveler's diarrhea, as well as intestinal disorders caused by infectious diseases.

Other indications include chronic diarrhea caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

In case of irritable bowel syndrome, Smecta does not reduce diarrhea, but due to sorption and removal of excess gases in the intestines, it significantly alleviates the general condition.

Since Smecta (other trade names: Diosmectite, Smectalia, Endosorb, Dioctab Solution) is also a non-systemic antacid, it can be prescribed for heartburn, stomach discomfort and other dyspeptic symptoms, for example, in case of poisoning and vomiting of bile. But the use of this drug for vomiting is unacceptable if it is a symptom of severe pathology of the digestive organs (gallbladder, pancreas, liver).

But in case of alcohol poisoning, you should not use Smecta, but enterosorbents containing silicon dioxide (including colloidal, as in the drug Polysorb) or aluminum oxide monohydrate (Algedrate). Read more - What to do in case of alcohol poisoning?

Release form

Smecta is available in the form of a finely dispersed powder (packaged in 3 g sachets) and in the form of a ready-to-use suspension (also in 3 g sachets).

Pharmacodynamics

The active substance of this product is dioctahedral smectite or diosmectite, which belongs to layered clay minerals – aluminosilicates (containing salts of aluminosilicic acids) of the montmorillonite group. The mechanism of its action is not fully understood.

It is known that due to its complex crystalline structure (the mineral's hexagonal cells contain three octahedrons, two of which are occupied by aluminum cations) and a very large specific surface area, it easily absorbs water (the volume of adsorbed water exceeds the weight of the smectite taken internally by eight times); at the same time, the powder does not dissolve in water, but swells strongly, reducing the amount of free water in the feces.

Diosmectite changes the rheological properties of the gastrointestinal mucus (due to binding to its protein-carbohydrate molecules), inhibits mucolysis of intestinal epithelial cells, prevents bacteria and viruses (ingested orally) from adhering to them, and adsorbs infectious agents (and their toxins) from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, diosmectite promotes increased secretion of the glycoprotein MUC2 (mucin-2) in the colon, which protects the epithelium from antigens formed during inflammation. [ 2 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Like other adsorbents, diosmectite is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted in the feces without any biochemical transformations.

How quickly does Smecta work? In cases of poisoning, the therapeutic effect of this drug occurs within a few hours - depending on the time interval between the onset of symptoms and taking Smecta.

Dosing and administration

Like other absorbents, Smecta is taken orally in case of poisoning: daily dose for children under one year old is 3 g (one sachet), for children under two years old - 3-6 g (one or two sachets); for children over two years old - 6-9 g (two or three sachets); for adults - 9-12 g (three or four sachets).

• How to dilute Smecta? The powder from one sachet is mixed with boiled water (130-150 ml or half a glass) at room temperature.
• How to drink Smecta - before or after meals? In case of poisoning, the drug is used before meals.
• How much Smecta to drink in case of poisoning? In cases of food poisoning, diosmectite is used for two to three days.
• How many times should you take Smecta for poisoning? Three to four doses a day are enough.

Application for children

The official instructions indicate that Smecta can be used by children from two months of age – as an addition to oral rehydration therapy for acute diarrhea, including poisoning and intestinal infections. [ 3 ]

What to give in case of poisoning of a child is described in detail in the publication – Food poisoning in a child

It is essential to maintain the body's water-electrolyte balance and give children oral rehydration solutions: Gastrolit, Glucosolan or Regidron in case of poisoning.

According to a Cochrane review published in April 2018, giving diosmectite to children with acute diarrhea may reduce intestinal inflammation caused by viral infection by creating a barrier to toxins.

Read also – Smecta for newborns

Use Smecta for poisoning during pregnancy

Read more in the article – Smecta during pregnancy

Contraindications

Smecta is contraindicated for use in cases of intestinal motor dysfunction (paresis), obstructive intestinal obstruction and high degrees of intestinal insufficiency of various etiologies.

Side effects Smecta for poisoning

Side effects may include hypersensitivity reactions (with urticaria and itching) and constipation. Some people may experience flatulence and vomiting after taking Smecta.

Overdose

Excessive doses of diosmectite may cause constipation.

Interactions with other drugs

Smecta is not taken together with any other orally administered medications, as it affects their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and effectiveness. Smecta and activated carbon are also not taken at the same time.

Storage conditions

Diosmectite should be stored in whole sachets, at room temperature, in a dry place.

Shelf life

The shelf life of this product is 4 years.

Analogues

In case of food poisoning, doctors recommend taking activated charcoal (Sorbex, Carbactin, Ultrasorb) or sorbents with polyvinylpyrrolidone - Povidone, Enterosorb (which begin to act a quarter of an hour after taking).

Smecta's analogues include enterosorbents such as Enterosgel or Enteroactin (containing polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate); Polysorb (with colloidal silicon dioxide); Atoxil, Alfasorb, Sorboxan (based on silicon dioxide in the form of a highly dispersed powder); Polyfan and Polyphelan (with hydrolytic lignin as an active ingredient).

See also - Help with food poisoning

Pancreatin, Creon, Festal, Enzistal or Mezim tablets are not used in cases of poisoning, since these drugs, which contain enzymes (lipase, α-amylase, protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin), are used for digestive disorders associated with decreased production of pancreatic enzymes associated with functional insufficiency of the pancreas.