Brand Names

How to Use

For safe and effective use of this drug:

• Follow your family doctor's instructions if this drug was prescribed.
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

For diseaseds using this drug to treat diarrhea:

• The best for you that the fluid lost by the body be replaced and that a proper diet be followed . For the first 24 hours you must drink plenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, broth and gelatin. 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 diarrhea 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 signs of too much fluid loss was happen
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosage

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

• For oral dosage form - suspension:
  • For diarrhea or upset stomach:
    • Adults and teenagers The usual dose is 2 tablespoonfuls every half-hour to one hour if needed. You must not take more than 16 tablespoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 8 tablespoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 9 to 12 years of age The usual dose is 1 tablespoonful every half-hour to one hour. You must not take more than 8 tablespoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 4 tablespoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 6 to 9 years of age The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls every half-hour to one hour. You must not take more than 16 teaspoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 8 teaspoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 3 to 6 years of age The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful every half-hour to one hour. You must not take more than 8 teaspoonfuls of the regular-strength suspension or 4 teaspoonfuls of the concentrate in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 3 years of age Dose is based on body weight:
      • For children weighing 6.4 to 13 kilograms - kg - 14 to 28 pounds: The usual dose is 1/2 teaspoonful of the regular-strength suspension or 1/4 teaspoonful of the concentrate.
      • For children weighing over 13 kg - 29 pounds: The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful of the regular-strength suspension or 1/2 teaspoonful of the concentrate.
• For oral dosage forms - tablets or chewable tablets:
  • For diarrhea or upset stomach:
    • Adults and teenagers The usual dose is 2 tablets every half-hour to one hour. You must not take more than 16 tablets in twenty-four hours.
    • Children 9 to 12 years of age The usual dose is 1 tablet every half-hour to one hour. You must not take more than 8 tablets in twenty-four hours.
    • Children up to 9 years of age The oral suspension is the preferred dosage form for this age group.

Missed dose If your family doctor has ordered you to take this drug according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablet form of this drug in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• 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.