Attapulgite
Attapulgite Information

About Attapulgite

Attapulgite is a purified hydrated magnesium aluminium silicate essentially consisting of the clay mineral palygorskite. Activated attapulgite is attapulgite which has been heated under controlled conditions to provide an anhydrous form of attapulgite. Attapulgite is light, cream or buff, very fine powder, almost free from gritty particles.Attapulgite is used in the treatment of diarrhea (intestinal disorder characterized by frequent evacuation of bowel). It works by absorbing fluid in the intestine. Attapulgite is usually taken after each loose movement.

Indications

Attapulgite is primarily indicated in conditions like Diarrhoea.

Contraindication

Attapulgite is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity,Febrile illness.

Side Effects

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Attapulgite are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Pneumoconiosis.

Warnings

Attapulgite should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing heart disease, bowel disease or allergy. It is classified as pregnancy category B. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. If rehydration becomes necessary as a result of the diarrhoea and the consequent dehydration, ORS therapy should be initiated. If high fever or blood in the stool that appear or if the diarrhoea persists after 2 days, the treatment should be discontinued, and a clinical and microbiological assessment made.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, and Geriatrics.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.