Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: December 27, 2024
Clinical role of diosmectite in the management of diarrhea
Alfredo Guarino1, Andrea Lo Vecchio, Maria Rosaria Pirozzi
1University of Naples, Department of Pediatrics, Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. alfguari@unina.it
Background:
Diosmectite (DS), an antidiarrheal absorbent natural clay, was proposed for treatment of acute gastroenteritis and more recently considered for diarrhea within the functional bowel disorder syndrome.
Objective:
To review pharmacology efficacy, mechanisms of action and safety of DS.
Methods:
We consulted PubMed/Medline using the keywords of smectite and diarrhea or gastroenteritis, and reviewed most recent recommendations by scientific societies.
Conclusions:
Solid data show that DS is effective in infectious diarrhea, mainly as an ion antisecretory agent and in preventing intestinal damage. Despite clinical data being consistent and convincing, DS is not considered as first-line treatment because of the presence of alternative therapeutic options. However, it definitely may play a role in infectious colitis, where treatment options are less convincing. Some available evidences demonstrate a role of DS in functional diarrhea.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
