A new suspension form of smectite (Liquid 'Diasorb') for the treatment of acute diarrhoea: a randomized comparative study

An open, multi-centre, general practice study was carried out in 80 patients with acute diarrhoea to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of treatment with a liquid formulation of smectite, a hydrated aluminium-magnesium silicate (Liquid 'Diasorb'), and loperamide. Patients were allocated at random to receive one or other treatment for a maximum of 48 hours. Thirty-three of the patients on the smectite preparation and 30 of those on loperamide had acute diarrhoea of at least 24 hours but no longer than 48 hours in duration. Patients received a daily dose of 6 to 9 g smectite or 8 to 12 mg loperamide, depending on the symptoms. Details of red and white cell counts, serum electrolyte concentrations and stool culture for pathogens and parasites were recorded on entry and after 1 week. The results, judged in terms of resolution of symptoms after 2 and 7 days, doctor and patient assessment of response to therapy, and incidence of side-effects, showed that both treatments were equally effective and well-tolerated. Two patients were withdrawn, 1 patient (Liquid 'Diasorb') because of lack of response and the other (loperamide) because of dryness of the mouth and nausea. Laboratory parameters remained unchanged apart from a slight decrease in leucocytes in both groups.