Kaolin Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Kaolin Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Kaolin is considered safe when used orally in food amounts and when used topically as a component of specific wound dressings.

However, it may be possibly unsafe when used orally in large amounts, as it can cause intestinal obstruction and iron deficiency anemia. It is likely safe to use during pregnancy and lactation when consumed orally in food amounts.

It is possibly safe to use orally as kaolin-pectin in appropriate amounts. Kaolin can cause constipation and may lead to occupational kaliosis (pulmonary disease) when inhaled.

How Is Kaolin Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Kaolin is a hydrated aluminum silicate that acts as a desiccant and drying agent when used topically.

It can adsorb a wide variety of substances. In oral mucositis, kaolin-pectin in a mouthwash acts as a protective coating to decrease pain severity. When applied to wounds, kaolin-impregnated gauze produces hemostasis (stops bleeding) by activating factor XII and platelets, initiating the clotting cascade. Kaolin decreases the time to clot formation and increases clot strength in both normal blood and blood from individuals taking anticoagulants or anti-platelet agents.

Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient information available about the pharmacokinetics of kaolin.

Interaction Overview

Kaolin may interact with clindamycin, digoxin, quinidine, and trimethoprim. It can slow the rate of clindamycin absorption and possibly affect the extent of digoxin absorption.

There is conflicting evidence about its effect on digoxin pharmacokinetics. Kaolin may decrease quinidine absorption, and it may reduce the absorption of trimethoprim. To avoid potential interactions, it is advised to separate the doses of kaolin and these medications/supplements by at least 3 hours.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Common side effects of kaolin include constipation, particularly in children and the elderly. In rare cases, it can cause intestinal obstruction and occupational kaliosis (pulmonary disease) if inhaled.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient information available about the standardization of kaolin supplements.

What Is Kaolin Typically Used For?

Kaolin has various uses in medical and manufacturing settings. Orally, it can be used to treat diarrhea, cholera, intestinal infections, and ulcerative colitis. Topically, it is used for controlling bleeding and as a mouth rinse for oral mucositis. It is also used for diagnosing conditions such as tuberculosis and as a contrast media agent in automated testing for activated clotting time.

In manufacturing, it is used as a diluent in tablet preparation, a filtering or decolorizing agent, and as an additive in toiletries and food products.

Drugs that interact with Kaolin