Smecta Anti-Diarrheal (Strawberry)

Smecta Anti-Diarrheal (Strawberry) is a strawberry-flavoured powder for oral suspension, supplied in single-dose sachets. Each sachet contains 3 g of diosmectite, a purified natural clay (dioctahedral smectite) that is not absorbed into the bloodstream and passes through the digestive tract before being eliminated. The powder is intended to be mixed with water before it is swallowed.

Diosmectite is classed as an intestinal adsorbent. The product is formulated with sweeteners and a strawberry flavouring so that the suspension is palatable, which makes it more convenient for use in children and adults who dislike the taste of plain clay suspensions. Because each sachet is a pre-measured dose, the product is simple to carry and to measure accurately.

Smecta Anti-Diarrheal (Strawberry) is an over-the-counter product available through DoctorOnCall as an online pharmacy serving customers in Malaysia and Singapore. Pack sizes follow the variation options shown on this page. Our pharmacist team can advise you on dosing by age and on the timing of other medicines before you place an order.

Tear open the sachet along the marked line and pour the entire contents into about half a glass of water (roughly 50 ml for infants and young children, or about 100 ml for older children and adults). Stir until the powder is evenly suspended and drink the suspension straight away. Do not store the prepared suspension for later use.

For infants, the contents of the sachet may be mixed into a baby bottle with about 50 ml of water, or stirred into semi-solid foods such as porridge, apple purée or mashed food, as indicated on the pack leaflet. The product can be taken between or at mealtimes; if it is taken after a meal, allow the stomach to settle before taking the suspension.

Take other oral medicines at least two hours apart from this product, because the clay may slow or reduce their absorption. Make sure that children continue to receive enough fluids while they are unwell, and follow the pack leaflet or the advice of a pharmacist for the correct number of sachets.

Dosage by age, as stated in the product leaflet: infants under 1 year, 1 sachet per day; children aged 1 to 2 years, 1 to 2 sachets per day; children over 2 years, 2 to 3 sachets per day; adults, 3 sachets per day. The daily amount may be divided into several smaller doses throughout the day, mixed in water each time.

Do not exceed the stated number of sachets per day. If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the usual time; do not double the dose. For infants and young children, please confirm the correct dose with a doctor or pharmacist before use, and see a doctor if there is no improvement within two days or if the child shows signs of dehydration.

Use before the expiry date printed on each sachet and on the outer carton. Each sachet is single-dose; once opened and mixed, use it immediately and discard any unused portion.

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep sachets in their original carton until use and keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to diosmectite or any other ingredient in the product.
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency or other sugar-handling disorders, because the product contains glucose as an excipient.
• Suspected or known bowel obstruction or severe constipation.
• Diarrhoea accompanied by high fever, blood or mucus in the stool, or severe abdominal pain, unless advised by a doctor.

• Other oral medicines: diosmectite may slow or reduce the absorption of medicines taken at the same time; take other medicines at least two hours before or after Smecta.
• Medicines with a narrow therapeutic range, such as digoxin, anti-epileptic medicines and oral contraceptives: separate the timing carefully and ask a pharmacist for advice.
• Oral rehydration solutions can be taken during the day; keep them apart from the sachet dose by a short interval, as advised on the leaflet.
• No specific food interactions are known; the powder may be mixed with water or into soft foods for children.

• Always mix the sachet with water or soft food and drink or eat it straight away; do not keep a prepared mixture for later.
• Keep a supply of oral rehydration salts at home for children and adults who have loose stools and are losing fluids.
• Give other medicines at least two hours before or after Smecta to avoid reducing their absorption.
• Use the youngest-age dose only after checking with a pharmacist, as infants are more prone to dehydration.
• Wash hands with soap and water before preparing food or the dose to avoid spreading germs to others in the household.
• Check the sachet is intact and the powder is dry and free-flowing before use.

Precautions: Make sure the person taking the product, particularly an infant or young child, continues to receive enough fluids while they are unwell, as dehydration is the main concern with loose stools. Follow the dosing by age exactly and do not exceed the daily amount. Take other medicines at least two hours apart from this product. Use with care in people with a history of chronic constipation, and seek advice before giving the product to infants, elderly people or people with serious underlying illness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist promptly if symptoms last more than two days, if there is blood or mucus in the stool, if there is high fever, severe abdominal pain or repeated vomiting, or if the person shows signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, no urination for several hours, sunken eyes, drowsiness or confusion. Seek urgent medical care for infants and young children who are listless, refuse to feed or have a sunken soft spot on the head. Also see a doctor if constipation develops or if you experience an allergic reaction such as rash or swelling.