Overview

Kaolin is a type of clay found in nature. It is sometimes used to make medicine. It is also used as a filler in tablets.

Kaolin is used to stop bleeding and for a condition that involves swelling and sores in the mouth (oral mucositis). It is also used for diarrhea and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

How does it work ?

When held in the mouth, a mouthwash containing kaolin produces a protective coating for mouth sores.

When kaolin is applied to wounds it speeds up blood clotting.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis). Using kaolin in a mouth rinse seems to decrease the pain of mouth sores caused by radiation treatment.
  • Bleeding. Pressing on an artery using a kaolin pad seems to stop bleeding faster than pressing with a regular pad. Also, applying a pad containing kaolin to a surgical wound seems to stop bleeding faster than applying a regular pad.
There is interest in using kaolin for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Kaolin is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken in foods amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as kaolin-pectin in medicines and mouthwashes. It can cause some side effects including constipation. Kaolin is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in very large amounts on a daily basis. It can cause blockage of the intestines and low blood iron levels.

When applied to the skin: Kaolin is LIKELY SAFE when used in FDA-approved wound dressings.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Kaolin is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken in foods amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as kaolin-pectin in medicines and mouthwashes. It can cause some side effects including constipation. Kaolin is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in very large amounts on a daily basis. It can cause blockage of the intestines and low blood iron levels.

When applied to the skin: Kaolin is LIKELY SAFE when used in FDA-approved wound dressings. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Kaolin is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. Kaolin is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as kaolin-pectin in medicines.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Clindamycin (Cleocin) interacts with KAOLIN

    Kaolin might decrease how quickly the body absorbs clindamycin (Cleocin), an antibiotic. But it probably doesn't decrease the amount of clindamycin (Cleocin) that is absorbed.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with KAOLIN

    Kaolin might decrease the absorption and decrease the effectiveness of digoxin (Lanoxin), a heart medication. To avoid a potential interaction, separate digoxin (Lanoxin) and kaolin doses by at least three hours.

  • Quinidine interacts with KAOLIN

    Kaolin might decrease the absorption and decrease the effectiveness of quinidine (Quinidex), a heart medication. To avoid a potential interaction, separate quinidine (Quinidex) and kaolin doses by at least three hours.

  • Trimethoprim (Proloprim) interacts with KAOLIN

    Kaolin might decrease the absorption and decrease the effectiveness of trimethoprim (Proloprim), an antibiotic. To avoid a potential interaction, separate trimethoprim (Proloprim) and kaolin doses by at least three hours.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULT

BY MOUTH:
  • For swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis): A mouth rinse containing 15 mL of a mixture of kaolin-pectin and diphenhydramine syrup has been used four times a day.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
  • For bleeding: A pad containing kaolin has been applied with pressure to wounds to stop bleeding.
CHILDREN

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
  • For bleeding: A pad containing kaolin has been applied to wounds after surgery to stop bleeding.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.