Kaopectate

Kaopectate, known medically as bismuth subsalicylate, is an orally taken medication from Chattem, Inc. for the treatment of mild diarrhoea. It is also sometimes used to treat indigestion, nausea and stomach ulcers.

Children should not take medication with bismuth subsalicylate while recovering from influenza or chicken pox, as epidemiologic evidence points to an association between the use of salicylate-containing medications during certain viral infections and the onset of Reye's syndrome. For the same reason, it is typically recommended that nursing mothers not use medication containing bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol) because small amounts of the medication are excreted in breast milk and pose a theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome to nursing children.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Kaopectate has changed since its original creation. Originally, kaolin was used as the adsorbent and pectin as the emollient. Attapulgite clay replaced the kaolinite in the 1980's, but since 2004, bismuth subsalicylate has been used as the active ingredient in U.S. marketed products. In Canada, McNeil Consumer Healthcare continues to market Kaopectate using attapulgite as the active ingredient.

Side effects

Mild

Constipation
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
Increased thirst
Increased sweating
Black stools
Black tongue

Severe

Vomiting
Stomach pains
Involuntary movements of the hands and lower arms
Vision impairment

Use on animals

The FDA does not have a clear stance on the administration of kaopectate on animals such as dogs and cats that are suffering from diarrhea. However, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Journal news article noted in 2003 that the new subsalicylate formulation might be harmful to cats, which do not tolerate salicylates well.

The Kaolin-pectate, the original compound, was approved by the [http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:lS3M8LCdFHcJ:www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/04n0480/04N-0480-EC4-Attach-1.pdf+kaolin+pectate+fda+approved+animals&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us OTC (Organic Trade Association)] for use in animals being produced for food.