Smecta Go Oral Suspension

Smecta Go Oral Suspension is a ready-to-drink oral suspension supplied in single-dose sachets, each containing 3 g of dioctahedral smectite (diosmectite), a purified natural clay-based substance. It belongs to the Smecta range and is a ready-to-drink presentation of the active ingredient, so it does not need to be mixed with water before it is taken. The Malaysian retail packs are labelled with a caramel-cocoa flavour.

Besides diosmectite, the product leaflet lists the other ingredients as xanthan gum, citric acid monohydrate, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sucralose, chocolate-caramel flavour and purified water. It does not list glucose as an ingredient, and it should not be confused with oral rehydration salts. Smecta Go also contains a small amount of ethanol (13 mg per sachet) carried over from the flavouring, according to MIMS. Smecta Go is sold on open shelves in Malaysian pharmacies and online pharmacies without needing a doctor’s prescription, and DoctorOnCall lists it in its OTC (Over-the-Counter) range.

An important safety point for buyers is the age limit. Malaysian prescribing information states that use of Smecta and Smecta Go should be avoided in infants and children below 2 years of age. Packs are commonly sold as boxes of 12 sachets, with smaller counts also available, so please check the pack size you select on the DoctorOnCall product page and read the leaflet inside the box before use.

• Read the leaflet in the box before the first use.
• Prepare the sachet as directed on the pack, mixing the contents well, then open it and drink the contents directly.
• Take the number of sachets per day that is stated in the leaflet for your age group, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you take other oral medicines, take them at least 2 hours apart from Smecta Go.
• Do not give to infants and children below 2 years of age.
• Each sachet is single-use, so discard any part of a sachet that is not taken.

Adults: the dose stated in the product listings and leaflets reviewed is 3 sachets per day. Children: the retail listings in Malaysia and the leaflet that was reviewed from another market give different age bands and sachet counts, so no children’s dose is stated here; please follow the printed leaflet in your pack or the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Do not use in infants and children below 2 years of age. Do not take more than the number of sachets stated in the leaflet. If you miss a sachet, continue with the next one as normal and do not take a double amount. Stop use and see a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or if there is blood in the stool or a high fever.

Use the sachets before the expiry date printed on the sachet and outer carton. Check this date and the batch number before use, and do not use a sachet that is past its expiry date or that is torn or leaking. Because each sachet is single-use, discard any contents that are not taken immediately after opening.

Store the sachets as stated on the carton and leaflet, normally at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and heat, and keep them in the box until needed. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use a sachet that is swollen, torn or leaking.

• Common: Constipation, which was the most commonly reported side effect in the product information (about 7% of adults and 1% of children).
• Common: Bloating or mild stomach discomfort.
• Serious: An allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, which needs emergency medical care.
• Serious: Severe constipation, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain or a swollen abdomen, which needs prompt medical review, as these may point to bowel obstruction.

• Do not use in infants and children below 2 years of age.
• Do not use if you are allergic to dioctahedral smectite (diosmectite) or to any other ingredient in the product, including sucralose, potassium sorbate or the flavouring.
• Use only with medical advice if you have a possible bowel obstruction or a history of severe chronic constipation.

• Smecta Go may reduce the absorption of other oral medicines taken at the same time. Take other oral medicines at least 2 hours apart from Smecta Go.
• Tell your pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines and herbal products, before using this product.
• Each sachet contains a small amount of ethanol (13 mg), so tell your pharmacist if you are avoiding alcohol for medical or other reasons.
• No specific food interactions are known; follow the leaflet for how to take the sachet in relation to meals.

• Keep the box and leaflet together, and read the age and dose information before using it.
• Leave at least 2 hours between Smecta Go and your other oral medicines.
• Do not give it to infants and children below 2 years of age.
• Do not confuse it with oral rehydration salts, which are a different type of product with different ingredients.
• Each sachet is single-use, so drink the whole contents after opening and do not save leftovers.
• Check for flavouring, sucralose or preservative allergies on the ingredient list if you have a history of reactions.

Precautions: Not for infants and children below 2 years of age. Use with care and ask a pharmacist first if you are constipated, have had bowel problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other regular medicines, as the product can affect the absorption of other oral medicines. The sachet contains a small amount of ethanol. Always follow the leaflet in your pack, as dosing for children differs between sources and markets.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor promptly if there is blood or mucus in the stool, a high fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as a very dry mouth, sunken eyes, dizziness or passing very little urine. Seek advice if symptoms last more than a couple of days, if they worsen, or for any infant or young child. Seek emergency care immediately for any sign of a severe allergic reaction.