Probably, there is no person who would never face an upset stomach and intestines and all related problems – diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. The reasons may be different – overeating, poisoning, dietary disorders, infection. All this – the indications for which the use of funds for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. But it is not so easy to find a medicine that would help from these manifestations, especially if the cause of the disease is unclear.
Description of the drug Smecta
Fortunately, there is a special class of drugs that have a universal effect and can help in most cases when symptoms of gastrointestinal upset appear. These are sorbents, that is, substances capable of absorbing all the excess that is in the stomach and causes discomfort – toxins, viruses and bacteria. Smecta is one of the most effective sorbents.
The composition of the drug is very simple. Its active ingredient is dioctahedral smectite. This is a mixture of specially treated silicates of magnesium and aluminum. The special crystal structure of these compounds gives them the ability to envelop all pathogenic viruses, bacteria and their toxins and removes them from the gastrointestinal tract in a natural way – along with feces. It should be noted that the use of Smekta is effective for rotavirus infection, which is difficult to treat in other ways.
Smecta does not affect the content of vitamins, minerals and beneficial intestinal microflora. In addition, the drug has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa. This impact is twofold. First, Smecta fills minor defects in the mucous membrane and forms a protective layer on its surface. Secondly, the medicine prevents the negative effect of the acidic environment of the gastric juice, microbes and their toxins on the mucous membrane. All this has a preventive effect, prevents the exacerbation of diseases and the occurrence of bleeding. One of the advantages of the tool is that it acts exclusively in the field of the gastrointestinal tract. None of its components are absorbed into the bloodstream – even with diseases such as colitis and colonopathy. This means that the drug does not accumulate in the body.
Many parents are interested in the question: is Smecta suitable for children? Yes, and Smecta is so reliable in terms of safety that it can be given even to babies, of what not every remedy for indigestion can boast. Another advantage of smectite is that it does not interfere with X-ray examination of the digestive organs. Smecta is characterized by a simple method of application, which makes it a popular tool.
The only dosage form of Smekta is a powder for the preparation of a suspension weighing 3 g. The composition of the drug in addition to the active substance includes:
- flavor
- dextrose monohydrate
- sodium saccharinate
Smecta is sold over the world in pharmacies. The manufacturer of the drug is the French pharmaceutical company “Bofour Ipsen Industry”. Smecta has analogues with similar indications. Usually they have the same active substance – dioctahedral smectite. These drugs include Neosmectin and Diosmectin. Other sorbents, for example, activated carbon, are indirect analogues. However, it should be understood that not all sorbents are as effective and selective in their action as Smecta.
Indications for use, contraindications and side effects
Smecta is used for diarrhea, food and alcohol poisoning, relieving hangover, nausea, dyspepsia, vomitting, flatulence.
Also Smecta is used for:
- Bacterial infections, including those of unclear origin
- Stomach and intestinal pain syndrome
- Intestinal colic
- Digestive disorders in gastric ulcer, gastritis, isophagitis, duodenitis, cholecystitis, colitis
Do not use Smecta with antibacterial drugs!
It is undesirable to use Smecta together with antibacterial drugs. The fact is that the product refers to sorbents, absorbing foreign substances. This reduces the effectiveness of extraneous drugs. To avoid this, you should do the interval between taking Smecta and taking other drugs in two hours or more.
Smecta has some contraindications. First of all, the drug should be taken with caution with a tendency to constipation. In the presence of intestinal obstruction or severe chronic constipation, admission is directly contraindicated. You should also not take medicine in case of intolerance to its components.
Of the side effects should be noted the likelihood of constipation. The fact is that the drug slightly reduces intestinal motility. However, in people who are not prone to constipation, this phenomenon can occur only in the case of taking the drug in too large quantities. Therefore, it is important not to exceed the dose specified in the instructions for use. In pregnancy, the drug is quite possible, but they should not be treated for longer than three days.
In addition, if you have been treated with Smecta for a long time, but the unpleasant symptoms persist, then this is a reason to consult a gastroenterologist. Smecta is also not suitable in cases of suspected toxic (non-food poisoning).
Smecta, instructions for use
Usually, Smecta is best taken before meals or in between meals (of course, if one is not prescribed a diet). But there are exceptions. So, for heartburn, medicine is best taken after a meal.
Smecta is sold in sachets containing powder for suspension. Annotation is also attached to the drug. Smekta has detailed instructions for use, but not always it is at hand. If you need to use the drug, difficulties arise because many do not know how to take Smecta in powder, how to dilute Smecta?
How to dilute smekta in sachets – instruction
How to use Smekta is very simple. To take the drug one should pour one bag into a glass, dilute with warm water to half, mix the mass well and drink. It is enough to use Smecta once to understand how to take it.
When applying Smecta for children one should use the following instructions for the preparation of the drug. Smecta must be dissolved in 50 ml of warm water. If the child refuses to take Smecta, then it can be mixed with mashed potatoes, cereal, milk mixture, fruit juice or fruit juice.
Note: Smecta can mix with milk for children under 1 year.
Instructions for use for adults
Also, not everyone knows how to drink Smecta, in what dosage. Instructions for use Smecta provides an answer to this question. The usual dosage for adults and adolescents is 3 sachets per day. It is necessary to observe the interval between taking the drug and eating about 1-2 hours.
For acute diarrhea, adults should take 6 sachets per day for 3 days. Then take 3 sachets for another 2 – 4 days.
A few words should be said about taking Smecta along with alcohol. Smecta slows down the absorption of alcohol from the blood, so when drinking alcohol intoxication occurs more slowly. This happens if the drug is taken before alcohol. Smecta can also be used to treat hangover. In this case though, the drug should be taken after drinking.
Instructions for use for children
For stomach disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, not associated with acute diarrhea, you can follow the following scheme:
- up to a year – 1 sachet per day
- 1-2 years – 1-2 sachets per day
- 2-12 years old – 2-3 sachets per day
How to take Smecta to babies with acute diarrhea? In this case, the description of Smecta gives the following instructions for use for children:
- Children under the year drink 2 sachets per day for 3 days, then one sachet per day for 2-4 days.
- A child older than a year needs 4 sachets per day for 3 days, then another 2 sachets for 2 to 4 days to take 2 sachets per day.
- Teens over 12 take 6 sachets per day for 3 days. Then take 3 sachets for another 2 – 4 days.
If a child had taken Smecta for a long time, you should take care of the treatment preventing dehydration of the body. This is especially true for children whose age is younger than a year.
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My 8 month old baby refused to drink smecta. Can I mix it to mik instead of water?
Actually, yes, Smecta can be mixed with milk or various milk mixes. Be carefull though, as Smecta may cause dehydration in your baby.