Diosmectite


Diosmectite is a natural silicate of aluminium and magnesium used as an intestinal adsorbent in the treatment of several gastrointestinal diseases, including infectious and non-infectious acute and chronic diarrhoea, including irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea subtype. Other uses include: chronic diarrhea caused by radiation-induced, chemotherapy-induced, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome-associated chronic diarrhea. It is insoluble in water.

Efficacy

The use of diosmectite as an adjuvant to rehydration therapy for acute infectious diarrhoea in children may reduce the duration of diarrhoea by a day; may increase cure rate by day 3; and may reduce stool output, but has no effect on hospitalization rates or need for intravenous therapy.

Mechanism of action

Its effectiveness in improving stool consistency is the result of its ability to absorb bacteria, viruses and toxins as well as strengthening the intestinal mucus barrier to reduce luminal antigens passing through the mucus barrier which in turn helps to reduce inflammation.