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Upset stomachs represent one of the most uncomfortable ailments that humans experience, especially if the symptoms include cramps, abdominal pain, chills and diarrhea. Faced with this scenario, it is totally normal for the person to want a kind of magic solution that eliminates all their ills in record time and stops frequent evacuations.
For these diarrheic pictures the medicine Smecta offers a quick solution thanks to its property of being absorbed in the intestine. The consumption of Smecta is very common today and can be prescribed for both adults and children. In this eHealth article we explain what Smecta is for and what its contraindications are.
What is the Smecta for
Smecta is an adjunct medicine in the treatment of diseases with acute diarrhea that is presented in sachets and each one of these contains: 3 grams of diosmectite, 0.74 grams of glucose monohydrate, 0.007 grams of sodium saccharin and 0.004 grams of vanilla.
Smecta acts in the human body by stabilizing the intestinal mucosa by integrating with the glycoproteins of the mucus to create a barrier that isolates the mucosa from certain microorganisms and allows it to strengthen against any aggressive agent. In addition, the drug has the property of absorbing viral agents such as rotavirus , promoting earlier recovery. Smecta also helps reduce stomach pains caused by internal spasms or intestinal colic.
Smecta, whose main action is to stop diarrhea without dehydrating the body, can be found in pharmacies in boxes of 10 sachets and it is not necessary to present a prescription for its purchase. To take Smecta it is necessary to dilute the content of one sachet in at least three fingers of water. In newborn babies it is recommended to dilute 1 sachet of Smecta in 3 ounces of water and give the little one 1 ounce every 8 hours.
In children from one year of age up to 2 daily sachets of Smecta can be given diluted in 6 ounces and separated into 3 doses. Children over 2 years of age can take up to 3 sachets a day diluted in water and separated into 3 equal doses. In the case of adults, the recommended dose is 1 sachet diluted in half a glass of water every 8 hours. When the diarrhea crisis is chronic, the medical specialist may indicate to double the daily dose of Smecta to stop the evacuations.
Side effects of consuming Smecta
Smecta is a drug that causes few side effects to the body. Its consumption in excess can affect the digestive system causing constipation , however, this symptom disappears once the consumption of the drug is stopped. In a few cases, vomiting, flatulence and chronic constipation have been observed after consumption of Smecta.
Contraindications of the drug Smecta
Intestinal problems
The consumption of Smecta is contraindicated in those people who have a condition that prevents the proper transit of feces within the intestine due to some type of obstruction. Administering Smecta, in these cases, can contribute to a greater slowness of intestinal transit and cause constipation, which, in addition, can further obstruct the intestines. Therefore, if you have an intestinal problem or suffer from constipation, the consumption of Smecta is not recommended, unless a medical specialist indicates otherwise.
Fructose intolerance
The consumption of Smecta is also contraindicated in people who do not tolerate fructose or who suffer from glucose and galactose malabsorption. The composition of Smecta includes smectite and simple sugars, substances that are not well tolerated by the human body when suffering from fructose intolerance or having problems for the correct absorption of sugars.
Hypersensitivity to the drug formula
Some people don’t know they are sensitive to a drug until they take it. Therefore, if hives , edema or anaphylactic shock develop after ingesting Smecta , it is considered that the person is allergic to the drug. In these cases, it is vital to go to a medical center immediately and stop taking the drug.
Other contraindications
In the case of pregnant or lactating women, the consumption of Smecta is not recommended without the authorization of the treating physician. It is also not recommended to take this medicine if you suffer from kidney disease.
Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.