Kaolin is used to treat diarrhoea.
Pronunciation: kay-o-LIN
What are kaolin’s uses?
Kaolin is used in the treatment of mild to moderate diarrhoea, as well as severe diarrhoea, including dysentery.
What dosage should you take?
For diarrhoea, the general dosage for patients over 12 years of age is 2.5g to 6g after each loose stool every six hours until there is a firm stool.
It is generally not advised for use in children younger than 12.
It should also not be used for longer than two days.
Always check the correct dosage with your Clicks pharmacist first.
What special precautions should you take?
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, first consult with your doctor or Clicks pharmacist about whether you can use kaolin.
- Ensure you are adequately hydrated, so drink enough water and other hydrating liquids when taking kaolin.
- It is not advised for use in very young children, so first check with your Clicks pharmacist.
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are kaolin’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
- An electrolyte imbalance by increasing sodium and potassium loss in stools, especially in the case of the elderly, children and in severe diarrhoea.
- Constipation, particularly in children and the elderly.
- Do not inhale kaolin as it could cause lung problems.
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.