“Smecta” during pregnancy: instructions for use

One of the many changes a pregnant woman’s body may experience is digestive discomfort. Finding safe remedies for common issues like diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn is important. Smecta, a drug well renowned for its capacity to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, is one choice that is frequently suggested.

Is Smecta safe to use while pregnant? is a question that many expecting mothers have. To protect the health of the mother and the infant, it is crucial to comprehend how it operates and to use it in accordance with the recommended guidelines. Although smecta is thought to be generally safe, it is always advisable to speak with a doctor before starting any new medication.

This article will define Smecta, discuss its benefits during pregnancy, and offer usage guidelines. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable digestive problems while pregnant, this information may be able to help.

Features of the drug

Ipsen Pharma, a French company, manufactures the medication in two dosage forms. One of them comes in portioned sachets meant for a single use and is a gray powder with a vanilla scent. It turns into a grayish-cloudy liquid that tastes like orange or vanilla when you put it in water. These sachets have a three-year shelf life and are available in packs of ten or thirty pieces. They can be kept at temperatures as high as +25 degrees. Without a prescription, this medication is easily obtained at the pharmacy for roughly 150 rubles for ten bags.

Another version of "Smecta" is a pre-made suspension that comes in single-dose sachets as well. This medication smells like caramel, is thick and homogenous, and is gray or white-yellow in color. This medication is also available over-the-counter; a package containing 12 sachets costs about 300 rubles. This medication has a two-year shelf life and should be kept at room temperature at home.

Dioctahedral smectite is the active ingredient in both varieties of "Smecta." Three grams is the dosage per portion sachet. Sodium saccharinate and dextrose are the powdered medication’s auxiliary ingredients. Vanillin is also present in the vanilla powder, and vanilla and orange flavors are present in the orange preparation. Sucralose acts as a sweetener in the final suspension, while xanthan gum, caramel flavoring, potassium sorbate, purified water, ascorbic and citric acids are among the other inactive ingredients.

How it works?

• Absorb toxic compounds that have entered the body with food;
• Absorb pathogenic bacteria and viruses from the intestinal lumen;
• Stimulate the formation of mucus by intestinal cells;
• Connect with glycoproteins that are in the intestinal mucus, and then envelop the intestinal walls;
• Enhance the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa;
• Increase the ability of mucus to protect the digestive system from toxins, bacteria, acids and other harmful substances.

Intestinal motility is not inhibited by "Smecta" if the dosage is not exceeded. Moreover, the medication does not penetrate the intestinal wall, even in cases where it is injured or inflamed.

When the suspension is swallowed, it absorbs different toxic substances from the digestive tract but is unable to enter the bloodstream.

A common treatment for digestive problems, like heartburn and diarrhea, during pregnancy is smecta. It helps to reduce discomfort by absorbing toxins and shielding the intestinal lining. Because every pregnancy is different, it’s crucial to adhere to the suggested dosage and see a doctor before using it. This article offers straightforward guidance on how to use "Smecta" safely during pregnancy to protect the health of the mother and unborn child.

Is it allowed for pregnant women?

"Smecta" is categorized as a medication that is safe to use while expecting. Since smectite has no detrimental effects on the progress of pregnancy or the health of the unborn child, this medication is prescribed both in the early stages of pregnancy as well as in the second or third trimester.

However, even though the medication is safe for the expectant mother and the fetus, she should only take it after seeing a doctor.

Given "Smecta’s" mechanism of action, this kind of medication is typically prescribed for diarrhea brought on by a variety of conditions, including overindulgence, viral infections, allergic reactions, eating stale food, bacterial infections of the intestines, intense emotions, or taking medications. This medication is also well-liked for treating bloating, heartburn, vomiting, and intestinal discomfort. "Smecta" is advised during the first trimester to alleviate the symptoms of early toxicosis.

Side effects and contraindications

Women who tend to constipate should avoid using the medication since this is one of the common side effects of "Smecta," which frequently happens even when the doctor’s recommended dosages are followed.

If you experience constipation after taking the medication, you should first try lowering the dosage; however, if the issue persists, you will need to cease taking Smecta.

Sometimes taking the medication causes extreme flatulence or vomiting, in which case the suspension must also be stopped. The medication may, in extremely rare circumstances, also cause an allergy, such as urticaria or itchy skin. Smecta is no longer effective when you have these symptoms.

If intestinal obstruction is suspected, Smecta should not be used, per the contraindications listed in the instructions.

Such a medication is not advised for hereditary illnesses where the absorption of carbohydrates is compromised, nor is it permitted in cases of hypersensitivity to simethicone or any other auxiliary ingredient. Smecta should not be used to treat hemorrhoids, which are common in pregnant women.

How to take?

The usage instructions state that Smecta should be taken 1-2 hours prior to meals for the majority of indications. It is recommended that women with esophagitis take their medication after meals.

When using powder, dilute 1/2 cup of powder per sachet with clean water. In this instance, the medication dissolves somewhat, creating a suspension, and the drug particles will eventually sink to the bottom of the container if you leave it. Because the consistency of "Smecta" is unpalatable when combined with water (because of the undissolved particles), it is acceptable to dilute it with juice, milk, jelly, or any other liquid.

Typically, a single "Smecta" sachet is used per dosage; however, in certain circumstances—such as when diarrhea is severe—two sachets of the medication should be taken right away. Depending on her condition and the doctor’s recommendations, a woman may take three times a day, or three to six sachets, of the medication. Constipation will result from taking more than the recommended daily and single dose of the medication, particularly in the later phases.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor how long an expectant mother should take Smecta. The drug is typically prescribed for a brief duration, ranging from three to seven days. The drug can be stopped as soon as the woman’s health improves.

Even if loose stools stop occurring, it is advised to take Smecta for at least three days if diarrhea was the reason for use. Generally speaking, the drug is not prescribed for more than a week in order to prevent dysbacteriosis. You should see a doctor once more if symptoms such as pain, discomfort, changes in stool, and flatulence persist after using the product for seven days.

Reviews

The majority of expectant mothers report that Smecta was a helpful treatment for their intestinal infections, food poisoning, overeating, and other issues. The drug acts quickly, its release form is thought to be convenient, and adverse effects are extremely infrequent. The fact that "Smecta" is naturally derived, doesn’t absorb in the intestines, and is safe for the unborn child to be in the mother’s womb are further benefits. The drug’s portioned packaging and lack of addiction are further benefits.

Constipation is one of the drawbacks of "Smecta" that is frequently brought up. This condition is made worse by slow intestinal peristalsis during pregnancy. The fact that the suspension contains undissolved powder particles contributes to the dislike of the medication by many expectant mothers. "Smecta" also has the drawback of decreasing the efficacy of other medications.For this reason, you should wait one to two hours after taking this sorbent before taking any other medications.

For expectant mothers who are having digestive problems like heartburn or diarrhea, "Smecta" may be a useful choice. It’s crucial to abide by the dosage recommendations made by your pharmacist or doctor in order to guarantee safe use while pregnant.

Even though "Smecta" is generally regarded as safe, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking it, particularly if you have any concerns or underlying medical conditions.

You can safely treat common digestive discomforts and protect your baby’s health by using "Smecta" as directed by your physician.

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