Efficacy of dioctahedral smectite in acute watery diarrhea in Indian children: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects and safety of dioctahedral smectite (DS) on the duration of acute watery diarrhea in children.

METHODS:

A Randomized, open labeled, clinical controlled trial in a tertiary care hospital outpatient department (OPD) and emergency department. Participants were one hundred and seventeen children without any chronic illness between 2 and 5 years presenting to OPD, having acute watery diarrhea for <48 h with mild to moderate dehydration, not on antibiotics and requiring oral rehydration therapy. Intervention done was DS with a dose of 1.5 g thrice daily.

RESULTS:

Freshly dissolved DS in a dose of 1.5 g thrice daily for 5 days significantly shortened the duration of acute watery diarrhea in children aged 2-5 years. There were no adverse effects on the use of DS. DS was acceptable to the children, and its administration was not accompanied with any side effects.

CONCLUSION:

DS reduces the duration of diarrhea in Indian children and prevents a prolonged course, and therefore, may consistently reduce the costs in treatment of acute watery diarrhea.

• Authors: Quais Mohammad Mujawar, Ravi Naganoor, Mir Dilshad Ali, Naushad Malagi, Achyut Narayan Thobbi
• Journal: Journal of tropical pediatrics (J Trop Pediatr) Vol. 58 Issue 1 Pg. 63-7 (Feb 2012) ISSN: 1465-3664 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21525141 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Rehydration Solutions
• Silicates
• Smectite

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Child, Preschool
• Dehydration (drug therapy)
• Diarrhea (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• India
• Male
• Rehydration Solutions (therapeutic use)
• Silicates (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome