Kaolin

Generic name: Hydrated Aluminum Silicate, Kaolin
Brand names: Argilla, Bolus Alba, China Clay, Heavy Or Light Kaolin, Porcelain Clay, White Bole

Usage of Kaolin

Antacid

Venezuelan kaolin was tested in the presence of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in order to determine its Neutralization capacity. Achievement of normal gastric pH occurred with 250 mg of the modified kaolin clay compared with 400 mg of original clay, leading to the conclusion that modified kaolin clay might be useful as a cheap and effective antacid.(Linares 2004)

Detoxification

The toxic effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles, often used in biomedical materials, was reduced by the addition of kaolin in rat dermal fibroblast cells in vitro.(Rozhina 2019)

Diarrhea

Animal data

Older studies report a lack of evidence of benefit for the treatment of diarrhea in animals; however, kaolin has been given to small animals, foals, calves, lambs, and kids.(Kahn 2005, Rivera 1978)

Clinical data

Antidiarrheal preparations containing kaolin have been used in the treatment of enteritis, cholera, and dysentery. Kaolin preparations, however, have no intrinsic antibacterial activity and should not be used as the sole treatment in infectious diarrheas. When given orally, kaolin, especially light kaolin, adsorbs substances from the GI tract and increases the bulk of feces. Kaolin improves stool consistency within 24 to 48 hours; however, it does not decrease the number of stools passed or reduce the amount of fluids lost.(Berardi 2006, Wald 2003) Data regarding the effects of kaolin on travelers' diarrhea are lacking.(Ericsson 2005)

A network meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that studied interventions for acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in children reported the efficacy of kaolin-Pectin to be similar to that of controls (low certainty; very low quality).(Florez 2018)

Hemostatic agent

Animal data

Kaolin has been recognized as a coagulation activator and has been incorporated into various laboratory testing to measure activated clotting time (ACT)(Huyzen 1994), used to guide Heparin anticoagulation to prevent thrombosis, and reduce inflammation.(Dalbert 2006)

Clinical data

The use of kaolin-soaked gauze or in other dressings in surgical procedures (including ear, nose, and throat, and cardiovascular surgery) as a hemostatic agent has been reported.(Chávez-Delgado 2014, Sairaku 2011, Trabattoni 2011) Compared to mechanical compression, use of kaolin-impregnated gauze pads was found to significantly improve access-site hemostasis (P<0.001) and mean compression time (P<0.001) in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography in a small randomized, controlled trial (N=30).(Roberts 2017)

Kaolin-impregnated dressings are safe and effective hemostatic used after foot ulcer debridement in diabetic patients who were taking anticoagulants. Complete hemostasis at 5 minutes was achieved in 80% of kaolin dressing patients compared to only 40% in the control group (P=0.001) in a small randomized controlled trial (N=26).(Hwang 2019)

Insecticide

Kaolin has been used as an insecticide against various arthropods that affect crops.(Barker 2007, Barker 2006, Sackett 2005)

Laboratory testing

Kaolin has been used in the serodiagnosis of tuberculosis using the kaolin agglutination test (KAT).(Sarnaik 1993) Kaolin has also been used experimentally to induce hydrocephalus in animal models in order to assess the effects of the condition on sensorimotor development.(Khan 2006) Additionally, kaolin has been studied for its effects when testing horse serum for seroconversion against equine influenza virus, which causes a major respiratory disease among horses.(Boliar 2006)

Wastewater purification

One small study suggested that the addition of kaolin to oil field wastewater can result in removal of chemical oxygen demand, removal of scaling ions, such as iron, calcium, and Magnesium, improvement in membrane filter index, bacteriocidal effects, and inhibition of corrosion.(Ma 2006)

Kaolin side effects

Inhalation of kaolin through occupational exposure may cause pneumoconiosis.(Altekruse 1984, Short 1993) Kaolin consumption has been associated with heavy metal intoxication, iron and other micronutrient deficiencies, and geohelminth infection.(Caillet 2019) A case of pica-related iron-deficiency anemia was reported in a 47-year-old male who began eating Kaolin white clay after watching a documentary entitled "Eat White Dirt." The anemia resolved after discontinuing clay consumption.(Attarha 2021)

Before taking Kaolin

Kaolin-containing preparations are not absorbed. There is a possible association between kaolin ingestion and the development of iron deficiency anemia and hypokalemia, especially during pregnancy.(Black 2003, Briggs 2005)

In a small study of female rats, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell levels were reduced in the groups of rats that ingested a kaolin-containing diet. Additionally, the pups born to these rats exhibited low birth weights.(Patterson 1977)

There are no human data regarding breast-feeding and kaolin uSage.(Briggs 2005)

How to use Kaolin

Diarrhea

12 years of age and older

26.2 g after each loose stool every 6 hours until firm stool; do not exceed more than 262 g per 24 hours; do not use longer than 2 days.(FDA 2004)

Younger than 12 years of age

Seek advice from physician.(FDA 2004)

Diaper rash

4% to 20% kaolin-containing products can be applied topically.(Rivera 1978)

Radiation- and Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis

15 mL of kaolin/pectin and diphenhydramine in a 50:50 mixture; hold in mouth for 3 minutes.(Barker 1991)

Warnings

Kaolin is highly insoluble and is not absorbed systemically. Therefore, it is not generally associated with severe toxicity. The toxicology of clays including kaolin used in food packaging has been reviewed, with no clear evidence of systemic toxicity reported.(Maisanaba 2015)

Inhalation of kaolin through occupational exposure may cause pneumoconiosis.(Altekruse 1984, Short 1993)

What other drugs will affect Kaolin

Most drug interaction studies of kaolin have involved administration of kaolin pectin. Kaolin pectin can form insoluble complexes with a number of drugs and should be avoided in patients receiving drugs that may chelate with aluminum salts (eg, digoxin(Albert 1978, Albert 1981, Brown 1976) clindamycin(Albert 1978) lincomycin(Wagner 1966) and Penicillamine(Ifan 1986). Until more information is available, interactions that occur with kaolin pectin should be considered to occur with kaolin alone. Additionally, concomitant administration of kaolin pectin and trimethoprim resulted in a reduced area under the curve for trimethoprim and decreased the average blood concentration of trimethoprim by 29.42%.(Babhair 1983) An in vitro study suggests that Quinidine absorption may be reduced with concomitant administration of kaolin-pectin preparations.(Bucci 1981) To avoid potential drug interactions, kaolin should be used at least 3 hours before or after any other medications.(Pray 2006) When used topically for anorectal itching, petrolaturm or greasy ointments should be removed before applying kaolin-containing products in order to allow for proper adherence to the skin. Additionally, cocoa butter, cod liver oil, hard fat, lanolin, mineral oil, shark liver oil, petrolaturm, or white petrolaturm cannot be combined with kaolin because of limited skin adherence.(Berardi 2006)

Cardiac glycosides: Kaolin may decrease the serum concentration of cardiac glycosides. Monitor therapy. Only oral preparations of cardiac glycosides are expected to participate in this interaction.(Albert 1978, Albert 1981, Allen 1981, Brown 1976)

Chloroquine: Kaolin may decrease the serum concentration of chloroquine. Consider therapy modification.(Aralen October 2018, McElnay 1982, McElnay 1982)

Lincosamide antibiotics: Kaolin may decrease the absorption of lincosamide antibiotics. Monitor therapy. This interaction only applies to oral administration of lincosamide antibiotics.(Albert 1978, KAPECT 2010)

Quinidine: Kaolin may decrease the serum concentration of quinidine. Monitor therapy. Only oral preparations of quinidine and kaolin are expected to participate in this interaction.(Moustafa 1987)

Trimethoprim: Kaolin may decrease the serum concentration of trimethoprim. No action needed. This interaction only applies to oral administration of trimethoprim.(Gupta 1987)

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords