Kaolin/Pectin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Kaolin/Pectin during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
(kay-oh-lin; pek-tin)
Description: Kaolin/Pectin for pets
This medicine is used to help protect the stomach and intestines and to bind up irritating substances in the gut.
Other Names for this Medication:
- Kaopectolin®
Common Dosage Forms:
- Veterinary: Kaolin-Pectin oral suspension: Kaolin 5.8 g with pectin 0.26 g per 30 mL.
- Human: None.
This handout does not include every piece of information that exists about this medicine. It is meant to answer common questions, but it does not replace medical advice. If you still have questions or need more details, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
Key Information
- Used to help manage diarrhea that is not caused by infection, an upset stomach, or nausea.
- Kaolin is considered very safe when you use it exactly as directed.
- The side effect seen most often is constipation.
- If you are using a liquid mixture (a suspension), shake it thoroughly before you measure each dose.
How is this medication useful?
Products that contain kaolin may be used for dogs, cats, and horses, and may also be used for some other small pets (for example, rabbits or guinea pigs). It is used as a helper treatment for diarrhea that is not due to infection, and it may also help with nausea and stomach upset.
Kaolin has been used in animals for a long time. However, it has not been approved for animal use. In some situations, veterinarians may prescribe medicines that contain this drug for different animal species or for different health problems. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this medicine is the best option.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many factors can change how well this medicine works for your animal. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can make treatment choices together.
- Some medicines can affect each other. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your animal receives, including medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also share how much you give and the timing of each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had in the past.
- If your animal has had treatment before for the same problem, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any past medicine reactions or side effects your animal has had (for example, allergic reactions, reduced appetite, diarrhea, itching, or hair loss).
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
You should usually see your animal start to feel better within 1 to 2 days. After that, the signs you are seeing should lessen.
This medicine does not last long in the body. It generally stops working within 24 hours. However, the helpful effects may last longer if your animal’s kidneys and/or liver are not working normally.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special concerns for your animal.
If your animal has any of the issues listed below, talk with your veterinarian about the possible benefits compared with the possible risks.
- Do not use in animals that have an allergy to it.
- Do not use when the diarrhea is due to an infection.
- A product that combines kaolin with bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate®) must not be used in cats.
- Be careful if your animal is taking other medicines by mouth, because kaolin can reduce how well those other medicines are taken up by the body.
What are the side effects of this medication?
Dogs and cats usually handle kaolin well.
If you notice the sign below, it is not usually a major concern unless it is severe, gets worse, or does not go away. If that happens, contact your veterinarian.
- Constipation, which often goes away without treatment.
If you notice any of the signs below, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Not being able to pass stool.
- A fever.
- Low energy and/or not wanting to eat.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
If you see an overdose happen, or you think it may have happened, get advice right away by contacting your veterinarian or an animal poison control center.
How should this medication be given?
For this medicine to be effective, give it exactly the way your veterinarian instructed. Always read the prescription label so you confirm you are giving it correctly.
- Kaolin products may come as a liquid mixture (an oral suspension). You must shake it well before you measure every dose.
- When you give kaolin by mouth, you may give it with food or without food. If your animal vomits or seems unwell after getting it on an empty stomach, give the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
- If you are using a liquid, measure it with care. Your veterinarian or pharmacist can provide special measuring spoons or dosing syringes.
- If giving the medicine is difficult, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for advice on how to give doses and how to make medicine time less stressful.
- This medicine may be used for different lengths of time. Make sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to keep giving it. You may need prescription refills before the full course is finished. Before you stop giving this medicine, speak with your veterinarian, because there may be important reasons to keep using it.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, either:
- skip the missed dose and give the next one at the regular time and then continue the normal schedule, or
- give the dose when you remember and then wait the full time between doses that your veterinarian recommended before giving the next dose.
Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep this medicine in the original prescription container. Store it at room temperature and keep it away from light.
- If your veterinarian or pharmacist has prepared a custom-made version (a compounded product) for your animal, follow the storage directions and the expiration date provided for that product.
- Store it where children and other animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
There are no special handling steps needed unless you are allergic to this medicine. Even so, it is a good habit to wash your hands after you handle any medicine. If you are allergic to it, wear gloves when you handle it.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain.
- If your area has a community medicine “take-back” program, use that option.
- If there is no take-back program, combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or cat litter so it is unattractive to children and animals and not recognizable to people who might search through trash.
- Put that mixture into a sealable plastic bag to prevent leaks, then place it in the household trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- In some animal competitions, using this drug may not be permitted. Check the rules before you enter your animal in a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine.
- If you have more questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”