Treatment of Acute Diarrhoea in Adults with Dioctahedral Smectite (Smecta): A Prospective Randomised Study

Background Acute diarrhoea is a common presenting problem to the accident and emergency department. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dioctahedral smectite (Smecta) in altering the duration and frequency of acute diarrhoea in the adult population in Hong Kong. Material and methods This was a prospective, randomised controlled study carried out in the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre from July 2005 to October 2005. One hundred and ninety eligible adult patients with acute diarrhoea lasting not more than 14 days were randomly assigned either (1) oral rehydration solution (ORS) one sachet three times daily and Smecta one sachet three times daily for two days; or (2) ORS one sachet three times daily for two days. The duration of diarrhoea, daily frequency of diarrhoea, presence of vomiting and fever following treatment were obtained by telephone interviews and mailed questionnaires. Results For patients treated with or without Smecta, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean duration and daily frequency of diarrhoea in the first three days. Conclusion The use of Smecta did not change the duration or frequency of acute diarrhoea in the adults in this study.