Kaolin and pectin

Kaolin and pectin

Kaolin and pectin mixtures are locally acting OTC antidiarrheals.They work by adsorbing irritants and soothing the intestinal mu-cosa.

Pharmacokinetics

Kaolin and pectin aren’t absorbed and, therefore, aren’t distrib-uted throughout the body. They’re excreted in stool.

Pharmacodynamics

Kaolin and pectin act as adsorbents, binding with bacteria, toxins, and other irritants in the intestinal mucosa. Pectin decreases the pH in the intestinal lumen and provides a soothing effect on the ir-ritated mucosa.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Kaolin and pectin are used to relieve mild to moderate acute diar-rhea. They may also be used to temporarily relieve chronic diar-rhea until the cause is determined and definitive treatment begun.

Drug interactions

These antidiarrheals can interfere with the absorption of digoxin and other drugs by the intestinal mucosa if administered at the same time. (See Adverse reactions to kaolin and pectin.)