Proper Use of This Medicine

If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food.

Take this medicine only as directed on the label or as ordered by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a long time. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming.

Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Importance of diet and fluid intake while treating diarrhea :

• In addition to using medicine for diarrhea, it is very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow a proper diet . For the first 24 hours you should eat gelatin and drink plenty of clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, and caffeine and alcoholic beverages may make the condition worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea a serious condition (dehydration) may develop. This condition may be hidden by use of this medicine. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following signs of too much fluid loss occur:
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosing—The dose of kaolin, pectin, and paregoric combination medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of kaolin, pectin, and paregoric combination medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (suspension):
  • For diarrhea:
    • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 2 tablespoonfuls (30 milliliters [mL]) after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4 doses should be taken in twelve hours.
    • Children 2 years of age and over weighing 13.5 kilograms (kg) (29.7 pounds) or more—The usual dose is 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls (5 to 10 mL) after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4 doses should be taken in twelve hours.
    • Children 2 years of age and over weighing 9 to 13.5 kg (19.8 to 29.7 pounds)—The usual dose is 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4 doses should be taken in twelve hours.
    • Children 2 years of age and over weighing 4.5 to 9 kg (9.9 to 19.8 pounds)—The usual dose is 1/2 teaspoonful (2.5 mL) after each loose bowel movement. No more than 4 doses should be taken in twelve hours.
    • Children 2 years of age and over weighing less than 4.5 kg (9.9 pounds)—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children since overdose is especially dangerous in children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store this medicine in the refrigerator. If it does get cold and you notice any solid particles in it, throw it away.
• Keep this medicine from freezing.
• Keep the container for this medicine tightly closed to prevent the alcohol from evaporating and the medicine from becoming stronger.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.