Efficacy of Diosmectite (Smecta)® in the Treatment of Acute Watery Diarrhoea in Adults: A Multicentre, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study
2011

Diosmectite for Treating Diarrhoea in Adults

Sample size: 346 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Khediri Faouzi, Mrad Abdennebi Ilhem, Azzouz Moussadek, Doughi Hedi, Najjar Taoufik, Mathiex-Fortunet Hélène, Garnier Philippe, Cortot Antoine

Hypothesis

Diosmectite will reduce the time to recovery from acute watery diarrhoea in adults compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Diosmectite at 6 g three times a day was well tolerated and significantly reduced the time to recovery from acute watery diarrhoea in adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • The median time to recovery was 53.8 hours for diosmectite compared to 69.0 hours for placebo.
  • Diosmectite was well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events.
  • Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in recovery time favoring diosmectite.

Takeaway

Diosmectite helps adults with watery diarrhoea get better faster.

Methodology

346 adults were randomized to receive either diosmectite or placebo for four days, and the primary endpoint was time to recovery from diarrhoea.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with major protocol deviations.

Limitations

The study was limited to a specific population in Tunisia, which may affect generalizability.

Participant Demographics

Outpatient males and nonpregnant women aged 18 to 65 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.029

Statistical Significance

p = 0.029

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/783196

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication