Which is better – smectite or activated carbon

Sorbents indicated not only for acute intoxication but also for allergies and some other conditions. The effect of medicinal drugs in this group are almost the same, they attract themselves to harmful substances and pathogenic microbes, and then gently flush them out of the body. People often question which is better - smectite or activated charcoal? Both of these medication have been good, but the appointment must take into account the characteristics of drugs.

When shown the administration of activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is made from wood, which is processed at a very high temperature. This substance has many pores, attracting toxic substances. The prescription of the medical drug is indicated in such cases:

  • The poisoning of various etiology – dietary, medicinal, vegetable and others.
  • In infectious diseases – for fast removal from the body of pathogenic microorganisms and their decay products.
  • When the counter Allergy pills coal contribute to the rapid conclusion of the allergens from the body.
  • Excessive gas formation in the intestine.
  • If you have diarrhea that is caused by different reasons.

In addition, coal powder is used for gastric lavage in case of poisoning. To do this, prepare a suspension, which takes the victim.

Found a use activated charcoal and people wanting to lose weight. It helps to eliminate toxins and reduce weight.

Contraindications and side effects of sorbent

Activated charcoal is a natural remedy, but it has contraindications, these include:

  • peptic ulcer disease;
  • suspected bleeding in the digestive tract;
  • obstruction of the intestine.

Pregnant women and young children can apply this medication as directed by your healthcare doctor if there is no alternative. Nursing moms can also use this sorbent when necessary.

To the side phenomena is persistent constipation and staining of stool in black color.

Activated carbon it is desirable to use only a short time, as it is not characterized by selective activity.

When you need smectite

Smectite is a natural sorbent substance that is produced from special white clay. This drug has good adsorbing effect, gently envelops the stomach wall and intestines, preventing their damage and absorption into the bloodstream of toxic elements. In pharmacies you can find the smectite with the aroma and taste of orange and vanilla that makes eating easy, even in young children.

This sorbent is shown in various States, when they steadfastly disturbed digestion and General well-being:

  • If you have diarrhea that is triggered by different factors. This medication is able to stop the diarrhea in a short time.
  • In poisoning of different origin. Smectite has a higher sorption activity than activated carbon.
  • In infectious diseases of the intestine.
  • With dysbiosis, which is triggered by poisoning or prolonged use of antibiotics.
  • Flatulence.
  • If you are allergic.
  • In case of intestinal colic in adults and children.

This may seem strange, but smectite is used even if constipation. This drug helps to normalize work of intestines. Treatment smektoj persistent constipation should be made on the recommendation of a physician and with strict observance of the prescribed dosage of the medication.

Before taking smecta powder is well stirred in water to avoid sediment. It is in precipitate contains the active substance.

Contraindications and side effects

Smecta works in the body selectively, that is, only stimulates the removal of toxic substances and pathogenic microflora. Nutritious bacteria, vitamins and minerals are not displayed.

Despite the relative safety of the drug, it is not recommended if intestinal obstruction and are hypersensitive to certain components. Of side effects can select only the constipation, in this case, you must adjust the drug dose.

Treatment smektoj permitted in newborns, pregnant women and nursing mothers. The drug works only locally and does not penetrate through the placental barrier and in breast milk.

Before treatment, younger children should consult a pediatrician.

The effectiveness of the joint admission smecta and coal

Sometimes doctors prescribe smectite and activated charcoal tablets at the same time. Combines medications allows you to get rid of all the symptoms of poisoning, but also normalize the gastrointestinal tract. Smectite is slightly softens the aggressive action of the coal, which can irritate the already inflamed stomach.

When taking these two together sorbents need to follow some recommendations. First, the patient drinks a solution smecta, and after 20 minutes taking activated charcoal tablets in therapeutic doses. During this time, diosmectite envelops the gastric mucosa, and particles of activated charcoal does not irritate the walls, absorbing the harmfulsubstances from the digestive tract.

So coal started faster to operate, it's best taken in capsules or powder. If powder in the pharmacy was not well enough to grind the usual black tablets, you can do it with a rolling pin.

When taking two sorbents in complex recovery much faster.

Some people can't determine what's better to buy pills activated charcoal or smectite. Both of these drug good, but smecta still fewer contraindications and a large sorption activity. In addition, the clay powder has a selective activity, in contrast to coal.