Diosmectite

What it is

Diosmectite is a natural clay of aluminium and magnesium silicate that acts in the gut lumen and is not absorbed into the body. Its layered structure binds water, bile salts, bacteria and toxins, and it coats the intestinal lining, which increases the barrier properties of the mucus layer. It is used for diarrhoea, both acute and irritation-related.

Used for

• Diarrhoea

What to know while taking it

It is taken away from meals, as food interferes with its contact with the mucosa. The same adsorbing action that binds toxins also binds other drugs, so a gap of about two hours from any other medicine is needed, otherwise absorption of that medicine is reduced unpredictably; this matters most for antibiotics, hormones and anything with a narrow safe range. It is a symptomatic treatment and does not replace fluid and salt replacement, which is what actually prevents harm in diarrhoea. Constipation is the common trade-off with prolonged use.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if diarrhoea persists beyond a couple of days, or comes with high fever, blood or mucus in the stool, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration such as marked thirst, dizziness or greatly reduced urine.

Worth knowing

• Separate from other medicines by 2 hours