Attapulgite: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Attapulgite is an absorbent anti-diarrhoea medicine. It is used for mild diarrhoea. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and suspension, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Attapulgite works

Attapulgite is a natural clay mineral that is not absorbed into the body. In the gut it soaks up excess water and may bind some irritants and bacterial toxins, so stools become firmer. It then passes out in the stool unchanged.

What is Attapulgite used for?

• Mild diarrhoea

Attapulgite is used to relieve mild, short-lived diarrhoea in adults and older children. It helps firm up loose stools and may reduce cramping and the number of trips to the toilet. It does not replace lost fluids, so it should be used together with oral rehydration solution (ORS), which remains the most important treatment, especially for children.

Side effects of Attapulgite

Attapulgite stays in the gut, so side effects are uncommon. Those reported include:

• Constipation
• Bloating or wind
• Mild stomach discomfort
• Nausea

See a doctor promptly if diarrhoea lasts more than two days, or if there is blood or mucus in the stool, a high fever, severe stomach pain, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine, dizziness or a dry mouth.

Precautions and warnings

• Keep a gap of two to three hours between it and other medicines, as it can reduce how well they are absorbed.
• Keep drinking fluids and use ORS to prevent dehydration.
• Babies and young children with diarrhoea should be seen by a doctor rather than given anti-diarrhoea medicines.
• Do not use it without medical advice if you may have a bowel blockage, or if diarrhoea comes with blood or a high fever.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Attapulgite

What is the price of Attapulgite in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Attapulgite products currently in stock range from Rs 6 to Rs 757 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Jetox 500 mg Tablet (50x10 tablets) at Rs 6. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Attapulgite are available in Pakistan?

Attapulgite is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Kemypulgite (Al Kemy), Jetox (Irza), Semotox (Semos), Unetox-t (Unexo), Entox (Wyeth-lederle), Terlox (FYNK Pharmaceuticals), Neo-intestopan (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd) and Detox (Remington Pharmaceuticals Industries), along with 1 more brands listed below.

Do I need a prescription for Attapulgite?

Attapulgite is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.

Can Attapulgite be used during pregnancy?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are all Attapulgite brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Attapulgite in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Attapulgite brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 14 products containing Attapulgite from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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