Calcium Polycarbophil in Acute Childhood Diarrhea

Abstract

A controlled evaluation of oral calcium polycarbophil suspension as a nonspecific antidiarrheal agent was carried out with 67 children having relatively severe acute diarrhea. Thirty-eight received calcium polycarbophil suspension and 29 a kaolin-pectin suspension of grossly similar appearance. Effective control of diarrhea within 48 hours was observed in approximately two-thirds of the children given calcium polycarbophil, and in less than one-third of those who received kaolin-pectin. Clinically significant side effects were not noted during treatment with either medication. Calcium polycarbophil appears to be effective and safe for the nonspecific treatment of diarrhea in children.