Smekta in case of 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 whether it is possible to use Smecta in case of poisoning, experts note the expediency of its use, first of all, for young children - because of the real threat of rapid dehydration with diarrhea. And, although conventional anti-diarrhea drugs are not used in detoxification therapy (since vomiting and diarrhea are a physiological way to cleanse the body of toxic substances), the use of Smecta - due to its adsorbing properties - is also acceptable for adults. [1]

Indications Smecta in case of poisoning

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

Does Smekta help with poisoning? According to the official instructions, this remedy is effective for diarrhea and poisoning caused by food error, that is, in the complex  treatment of food poisoning  - acute gastroenteritis in case of food poisoning; with the so-called travelers' diarrhea, as well as with intestinal disorders provoked by infectious diseases.

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

With irritable bowel syndrome, Smecta does not reduce diarrhea, but due to sorption and removal of excess gases in the intestine, 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, such as bile poisoning and vomiting. But the use of this remedy for vomiting is unacceptable if it is a symptom of a severe pathology of the digestive organs (gall bladder, pancreas, liver).

But in case of alcohol poisoning, it is necessary to use not Smecta, but enterosorbents containing silicon dioxide (including colloidal, as in Polysorb) or aluminum oxide monohydrate (Algeldrat). Read more -  What to do in case of alcohol poisoning?

Release form

Smecta is available in the form of a fine 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 - dioctahedral smectite or diosmectite - refers to layered clay minerals - aluminosilicates (containing salts of aluminosilicic acids) of the montmorillonite group. Its mechanism of action is not completely clear.

It is known that due to its complex crystal structure (there are three octahedrons in the hexagonal cells of the mineral, two of which are occupied by aluminum cations) and a very large specific surface, it easily absorbs water (the volume of adsorbed water exceeds the weight of the ingested smectite by eight times); while 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 mucus of the gastrointestinal tract (by binding to its protein-carbohydrate molecules), inhibits mucolysis of intestinal epithelial cells, prevents bacteria and viruses (ingested by mouth) from sticking to them, and adsorbs infectious agents (and their toxins) from the lumen gastrointestinal tract. In addition, diosmectite promotes an increase in the 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 fast does Smecta work? In cases of poisoning, the therapeutic effect of this remedy occurs after 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 - 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 to four sachets).

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

Application for children

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

What to give when a child is poisoned is covered in detail in the publication -  Food poisoning in a child

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

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

See also -  Smecta for newborns

Use Smecta in case of poisoning during pregnancy

Details in the material -  Smecta during pregnancy

Contraindications

Smecta is contraindicated for use in motor dysfunction (paresis) of the intestine, obstructive intestinal obstruction and a high degree of intestinal failure of various etiologies.

Side effects Smecta in case of poisoning

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

Overdose

Exceeding the dose of diosmectite can lead to constipation.

Interactions with other drugs

Smecta is not taken together with any other oral medications, as it affects their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and effectiveness. Also, Smecta and activated charcoal are 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, Karbaktin, Ultrasorb) or sorbents with polyvinylpyrrolidone - Povidone, Enterosorb (which begin to act a quarter of an hour after ingestion).

Enterosorbents such as Enterosgel or Enteroactin (containing polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate) can be considered analogues of Smecta; Polysorb (with colloidal silicon dioxide); Atoxil, Alfasorb, Sorboxan (based on silicon dioxide in the form of a fine powder); Polifan 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 for poisoning, since these agents containing enzymes (lipase, α-amylase, protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin) are used for digestive disorders associated with a decrease in the production of pancreatic enzymes associated with functional pancreatic insufficiency.