Related to this topic: Patient+ | Pharmacy | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options: See related products available from our registered pharmacy AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Kaolin

  • Kaolin is an adsorbent antidiarrhoeal agent.
  • It should only be used as short-term treatment.
  • It is available on its own or in combination with other ingredients.

About kaolin

Type of medicine Adsorbent
Used for Diarrhoea
Also called Kaolin Mixture, BP
Available as Oral liquid

Kaolin works by adsorbing (sticking to) toxic substances in the gut. It can interfere with the action of some other medicines.

Before taking kaolin

Before taking kaolin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking aspirin, quinidine, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.
  • If you are currently taking any antibiotics.
  • If you are taking any medication for mental illness.

How to take kaolin

  • Kaolin is for short-term use. Do not take it for longer than recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If your symptoms do not begin to improve within a few days, or if they get worse, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • Do not give this medicine to babies or children unless directed by your doctor.
  • Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated. Your pharmacist may recommend oral rehydration sachets which replace essential salts lost because of diarrhoea. As your diarrhoea improves try to eat more solid foods.
  • Avoid dairy products for two days.
  • It is very important to avoid dehydration in babies and children. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, less wet nappies, sunken soft spot on the front of the head in babies (fontanelle) and more crying or fussiness. If you think your child is dehydrated because they have been suffering from diarrhoea for 24-48 hours or longer, see your doctor.

Can kaolin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Kaolin is unlikely to cause any side effects. If, however, you experience any worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store kaolin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
996		 DocRef:
dils2845		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
22








Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site



Patient Pharmacy

Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page