diosmectite (Ipsen)

Diosmectite (often referred to by its mineral constituent, montmorillonite) is a natural aluminomagnesium silicate clay used as an oral intestinal adsorbent. It is primarily indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in children and adults, as well as chronic diarrhea and pain associated with functional bowel diseases. The drug's mechanism of action is physical; its layered phyllosilicate structure and high plastic viscosity allow it to coat the gastrointestinal mucosa, interacting with mucus glycoproteins to stabilize the protective barrier against pathogens, toxins, and irritants. Furthermore, it possesses significant non-specific adsorbent properties, binding to bacterial toxins, viruses (such as rotavirus), and bile salts within the gut lumen to facilitate their excretion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diosmectite was investigated in clinical trials to manage gastrointestinal manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiming to reduce diarrhea duration and potentially limit fecal-oral transmission by adsorbing viral particles.

Brand names

SmectaDio-2Dio2Dio 2SmecditeBosemectite

Other names

montmorillonitemontmorrillonitealuminum magnesium silicatebeidellitic montmorillonite