About montmorillonite powder, after reading this article, I have gained more useful knowledge

With the arrival of spring, digestive diseases are at their peak. Montmorillonite powder is a commonly used antidiarrheal drug in clinical practice. Its main ingredient is montmorillonite, which has the function of pathogen adsorption and intestinal mucosal protection. It is generally used for acute and chronic diarrhea in adults and children. It can also be used as an adjuvant treatment for related pain symptoms caused by esophageal, gastric, and duodenal diseases. Montmorillonite powder is highly safe and has few adverse reactions. It can be taken by children, the elderly, pregnant women, and lactating women [1].

How does montmorillonite powder work?

Ø Montmorillonite powder has a fixing and inhibiting effect on viruses, bacteria and the toxins they produce in the digestive tract, rendering them ineffective in causing disease.

Ø Montmorillonite powder has a strong covering and protective ability for the digestive tract mucosa, repairing and improving the defense function of the mucosal barrier against attacking factors.

Ø Montmorillonite powder has the effect of balancing normal flora and relieving local pain.

How to take montmorillonite powder?

Dosage: Oral. Adults take 1 bag (3 grams) 3 times a day. Children under 1 year old take 1 bag a day, divided into 3 times; 1-2 years old take 1-2 bags a day, divided into 3 times; over 2 years old take 2-3 bags a day, divided into 3 times [1]. When taking, pour this product into half a cup of warm water (about 50 ml), mix well and drink quickly.

Time of taking medicine: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis should take the medicine after meals; patients with gastritis, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome should take the medicine on an empty stomach, 2 hours before meals; patients with acute severe diarrhea should take the medicine immediately, and the first dose should be doubled.

It should be noted that

Ø Do not eat within 2 hours of taking the medicine, because food may be adsorbed by montmorillonite powder, which will reduce the antibacterial and mucosal barrier protection effects of montmorillonite powder.

Ø Montmorillonite powder should not be taken for a long time. When the diarrhea stops and the stool becomes sticky, you can stop taking it. Long-term use may cause constipation.

Ø If children have acute diarrhea and symptoms do not improve after taking this product for 1 day or chronic diarrhea and symptoms do not improve after taking this product for 2-3 days, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

How to take montmorillonite powder in combination with other drugs?

When montmorillonite powder covers the surface of the gastrointestinal mucosa, it will affect the absorption of other drugs. Therefore, it cannot be taken at the same time as other drugs. There should be a certain interval between them, and attention should be paid to the order of medication [2].

1. Montmorillonite powder + probiotic preparation

First take montmorillonite powder to absorb pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines, and then take probiotic preparations (such as live Bacillus licheniformis capsules) after 2 hours to help regulate the balance of the bacterial flora.

2. Montmorillonite powder + antibiotics

For diarrhea caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics (such as levofloxacin tablets) are needed. Antibiotics should be taken first, with an interval of 1-2 hours, and then montmorillonite powder should be taken after the antibiotics are absorbed.

3. Montmorillonite powder + probiotic preparation + antibiotics

When the three are used together, take antibiotics first, then montmorillonite powder, and finally probiotic preparations.

4. Montmorillonite powder + oral rehydration salt

If dehydration occurs during diarrhea, it may be necessary to replenish water and electrolytes, often using oral rehydration salts [3]. There is no clear order in which to use the two.

I believe that after reading this, everyone has a deeper understanding of montmorillonite powder. Finally, the editor would like to remind everyone that when diarrhea occurs, in addition to symptomatic treatment with medication, you should also pay attention to your daily diet, which should be light, avoid cold drinks and spicy and greasy foods, reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, and also eat more fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins.

References

[1] Montmorillonite powder instructions. Hunan Warner Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[2] Si Jigang, Li Aijie. Rational and standardized use of montmorillonite powder[J]. Journal of Pediatric Pharmacy, 2018, 24(8): 62-64.

[3] Wang Min. Smecta is used to treat diarrhea, but there are some precautions when taking it [J]. Family Medicine, 2017, (9): 42-43.