Kaopectate
Kaopectate is used for treating diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas or upset in the stomach. It works by helping to slow down the growth of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. This product should not be used for self-treatment with diarrhea if you also have fever or blood/mucus in your stools. These may be signs of a serious health condition. If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor promptly for proper assessment and treatment. Avoid using the medication for self-treating ulcers.
Kaopectate Uses
This medicine is being used to treat occasional stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea. It is also used to treat diarrhea and help prevent diarrhea in travellers. It works by helping to slow down the growth of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. This product should not be used for self-treatment with diarrhea if you also have fever or blood/mucus in your stools. These may be signs of serious health conditions. Check with your doctor promptly for proper evaluation and treatment if you have these symptoms. This medicine is used by your doctor to treat stomach ulcers caused by certain bacteria (Helicobacter pylori). Do not use this medicine to treat ulcers of your own. Bismuth's subsalicylate is a salicylate.
Kaopectate Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Kaopectate are:
- Constipation
- Dark-coloured stools
Some of the serious side effects of KaopectateSide are:
- Changes in behaviour
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hearing loss
- Diarrhea
- Worsened Stomach Symptoms
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Kaopectate if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Kaopectate side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Kaopectate talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction or some other serious problems.
Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Bleeding problems
- Bloody, black or tarry stools
How to take Kaopectate?
Take the medication by mouth, usually as needed, as directed by the product package or as directed by your doctor. The dose is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medicine more often than directed. Do not take more of this medicine than is recommended for your age. There are many different brands and forms of bismuth subsalicylate available. If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow it. If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use a household spoon because you may not have the correct dose.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Kaopectate won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Kaopectate tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of and monitor any possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products that you may use, in particular: valproic acid, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Kaopectate consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Kaopectate rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Kaopectate.
Kaopectate vs Imodium
Kaopectate |
Imodium |
|---|---|
| Kaopectate is used for treating diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, gas or upset in the stomach. It works by helping to slow down the growth of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. | Imodium Capsule is used for the treatment of diarrhea. It should not be used in patients suffering from dysentery (diarrhea with blood). |
| This medicine is being used to treat occasional stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea. It is also used to treat diarrhea and help prevent diarrhea in travellers. | This medicine is used to treat sudden diarrhea (including traveller diarrhea). It works by slowing down the movement of the intestine. This reduces the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.. |
Some of the serious side effects of Kaopectate are:
|
Most of the common side effects of Imodium are:
|
