Attapulgite is used to treat diarrhea. It is a clay-like substance that works by absorbing fluid in the intestine. It may also help your body get rid of bacteria/viruses that might be causing the diarrhea.

This product should not be used to treat diarrhea if you also have a fever or blood/mucus in the stools. These could be signs of a serious health condition. Consult your doctor promptly for proper evaluation and treatment if you have these symptoms.

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is taken by mouth, usually after each loose bowel movement or as directed by your doctor. Check your package instructions for the dose and maximum recommended number of doses per day. Do not take more than directed.

If you are using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are using chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing.

This product is available in different strengths and with different ingredients but with product names that sound similar. Read the label carefully to make sure you have the right product for you. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Constipation or stomach upset may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

If diarrhea is not relieved after 2 days of using this product, or if you develop a fever or blood/mucus in the stool along with diarrhea, consult your doctor promptly. (See also Uses section.)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking attapulgite, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: intestinal disorders (e.g., colitis, dysentery).

Severe diarrhea may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). If you are using a product to treat diarrhea, it is also important to replace the fluid lost by the body and to follow a proper diet. Food/liquids such as gelatin, broth, cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce are recommended to help prevent dehydration. Avoid fruits, vegetables, fried/spicy foods, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, all of which may make the condition worse.

Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.

This product is not absorbed into the body and is not likely to cause problems during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about using this product safely during pregnancy.

This product is unlikely to pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Avoid taking other medicines within 2 to 3 hours of taking this product. Doing so may prevent the other medicine from being absorbed by your body. If you have any questions about using this product safely, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

To maintain normal bowel habits, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (four to six 8-ounce glasses daily), eat foods high in fiber, and exercise regularly.

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this product. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.