[The efficacy of smectite in acute infantile diarrhea, compared to a placebo and loperamide]

Author(s): Gilbert B, Lienhardt A, Palomera S, Barberis L, Borreda D

Affiliation(s): Service de Pediatrie I, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges.

Publication date & source: 1991-11, Ann Pediatr (Paris)., 38(9):633-6.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

Fifty-six infants (aged 2 months to two years) with moderate to severe diarrhea were entered in a comparative therapeutic trial of smectite versus placebo or loperamide. Results showed that diarrhea resolved faster under smectite than under placebo and at least as fast under smectite as under loperamide. Tolerance of smectite is excellent as a result of the lack of any effect on intestinal motility.