How The Drug Works
These drugs reduce intestinal movement, absorb fluid, reduce the severity of intestinal inflammation and modify intestinal bacteria.
Uses
To treat diarrhea and the cramps and pain that accompany it. Adequate controlled studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these antidiarrheal combinations are lacking.
Opium (tincture, powder, or paregoric) is used to reduce the intestinal activity, to relieve the urge to have a bowel movement without success and to relieve the pain associated with diarrhea.
Belladonna alkaloids are used to control hyperactivity and increased secretion in the digestive tract.
Activated attapulgite, kaolin and pectin are used for their absorbent actions to bind up and remove digestive tract irritants.
Bismuth salts have antacid and absorbent properties.
Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if opium appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Not for use in children younger than 13 years of age.
Elderly: Use with caution in the elderly.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking of if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. CNS depressants interact with this drug.
Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many ptients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; hives, rash; itching; nausea; photophobia; rapid pulse; urinary retention; vomiting.
Guidelines for Use
- Follow individual product instructions.
- Do not use if diarrhea is accompanied by a fever or if blood or mucus is present in stool.
- If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor immediately. This could be, a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without first consulting your doctor.
- If you are taking a prescription medicine, consult your doctor before taking these products
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.
- Drink clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Do not use agents that slow digestive tract motility for diarrhea associated with antibiotic caused colitis or in diarrhea caused by bacteria.
- Do not use these preparations for more than, 2 days, in the presence of high fever or in infants and children under 3, except under a doctors direction,
- Salicylate absorption may occur from bismuthsabsalicylate. Observe caution in patients with bleeding disorders or aspirin sensitivity and in children.
- Liquids – Shake well before using,
- Store at room temperature (68° to 77°F).