Brand Names

How to Use

Do not use attapulgite to treat your diarrhea if you have a fever or if there is blood or mucus in your stools . Contact your family doctor.

Take this drug after each loose bowel movement following the directions in the product package, unless otherwise directed by your family doctor.

Importance of diet and fluid intake while treating diarrhea :

• In addition to using drug for diarrhea, it is very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow a proper diet . For the first 24 hours you must eat gelatin and drink plenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy and caffeine and alcoholic beverages may make the condition worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea a serious condition may develop. Check with your family doctor as soon as possible if any of the following occurs:
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosage

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the drug.

• For diarrhea:
  • For oral dosage form - suspension:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older The usual dose is 1200 to 1500 milligrams - mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 9000 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age The usual dose is 600 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4200 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age The usual dose is 300 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 2100 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For oral dosage form - tablets:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older The usual dose is 1200 to 1500 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 9000 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age The usual dose is 750 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4500 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age The oral suspension dosage form must be using in this age group.
  • For oral dosage form - chewable tablets:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older The usual dose is 1200 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 8400 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age The usual dose is 600 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4200 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age The usual dose is 300 mg taken after each loose bowel movement. No more than 2100 mg must be taken in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the liquid form of this drug from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.