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Kaolin/Pectin in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Kaolin/Pectin

Updated on September 10, 2024

Kaolin/pectin is a medication used to treat mild cases of diarrhea.

Kaolin/Pectin

Summary

Used For: Mild diarrhea

Brands: Kaopectate

Species: Dogs and cats

Drug type: Gastrointestinal

Prescription required: No

Pregnancy and lactation: Safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals.

Side effects: May see constipation at high doses.

General description

Kaolin/pectin is used to treat mild diarrhea in dogs and cats. It may cause constipation at high doses. If the vomiting and/or diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours; the pet has a fever, is depressed or shows abdominal pain; or the pet does not continue to be active and alert, contact your veterinarian.

Uses

Mild cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats

How it works

Kaolin/pectin works by binding some toxins in the gastrointestinal tract that cause diarrhea.

Dosage

* Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any new vitamin, supplement, or prescription products before administration. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient Pro-Pectalin Chewable Tablets: **Chewable tablets are great for boarding environments or other high-stress situations. **Give one tablet per 20 lbs. (9 kg) of body weight orally every 8 hours. Tablets may be given whole or crumbled and given at mealtime. Pro-Pectalin Oral Paste **The chicken-flavored oral paste is easy to administer and comes in a Dial-A-Dose™ syringe. **For cats, administer 1 cc every 8 hours **For dogs, administer according to weight: **Under 10 lbs.: 1 cc every 8 hours **11-30 lbs.: 3 cc every 8 hours **31-60 lbs.: 5 cc every 8 hours **61 lbs. and over: 8 cc every 8 hours **Dogs and Cats: Treat as prescribed by your veterinarian. If vomiting and/or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, if the pet has a fever, is depressed or shows abdominal pain, contact your veterinarian. Further diagnostics or treatment may be needed to treat the illness. Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. If vomiting and/or diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours; the pet has a fever, is depressed or shows abdominal pain; or the pet does not continue to be active and alert, contact your veterinarian. Further treatment may be needed.

Forms

Kaolin/pectin is available in tablets.

Storage information & handling

Tablets should be stored in the container with the lid. 

What results can I expect?

Kaolin/pectin works by changing the consistency of the stool and making it firmer, these results should be seen a few hours after administering the medication.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

May see constipation with overdose.

Side effects

May see constipation at high doses.

Contraindications

*Do not use in patients hypersensitive (allergic) to it. *Do not use it to control severe diarrhea. *Do not use products containing bismuth salicylate in cats unless directed by your *veterinarian. *Dogs that may have an allergy to aspirin should not be given the formulation with bismuth salicylate. *Use with caution in dogs receiving aspirin.

Drug interactions

May inhibit the absorption of lincomycin and digoxin. Give kaolin/pectin at least 2 hours before or 3-4 hours after other medications.

Precaution

Shake well before use. Some formulations of Kaopectate includes bismuth salicylate as an ingredient. This should not be used in cats unless directed by your veterinarian. Dogs that may have an allergy to aspirin, or are taking aspirin, steroids, or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Rimadyl, EtoGesic or Galliprant should not be given the formulation with bismuth salicylate unless directed by a veterinarian.

Sources

*Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs*

Manufacturer information

Vetoquinol

Multiple companies produce generic kaolin/pectin preparations.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.