Stomach and intestinal upset is a frequent problem that can occur for various reasons: poisoning, rotavirus, allergy stress, etc. In this case, a person experiences nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness and weakness. To eliminate these symptoms and cleanse the body of toxins, you can use special drugs — enterosorbents. They are able to bind and remove harmful substances, bacteria, viruses, allergens and gases from the intestines. Among the most popular sorbents can be distinguished Smecta and Enterosgel. Let's understand the difference between the drugs.
Composition of preparations
Smecta — is a powder for preparation of suspension, which consists of dioctahedral smectite (diosmectite), a natural mineral extracted from volcanic clay. Smectite has a high adsorption capacity and enveloping effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. In addition, it helps to eliminate diarrhea and restore normal intestinal microflora. Smecta is available in sachets of 3 grams each, has different flavors: vanilla, orange, strawberry and cocoa-caramel.
Enterosgel — is a gel for preparation of suspension or paste for oral administration, which consists of polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate — a synthetic organosilicon compound. Enterosgel has a high selectivity of adsorption: it binds only medium- and high-molecular-weight toxic substances, without affecting useful trace elements and vitamins. In addition, it does not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines and does not cause constipation. Enterosgel is available in tubes of 225 grams or in sachets of 15 grams each, has a neutral or sweet taste.
Action on the body
Smecta and Enterosgel act on the body in a similar way: they adsorb on their surface toxic substances, bacteria, viruses, allergens and gases that cause stomach and intestinal disorders. They are then eliminated from the body with the feces without being absorbed into the bloodstream or having a systemic effect. Thus, they help to reduce intoxication, improve well-being, eliminate diarrhea, heartburn, bloating and abdominal pain. However, they also have some differences in their mechanism of action.
Smecta, in addition to adsorption, also has an enveloping effect: it forms a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, which prevents irritation and damage to the mucosa under the influence of acid, bile, food irritants and toxins. Smecta also helps to strengthen the mucosal barrier and restore the natural intestinal microflora. Smecta is effective in dyspepsia, diarrhea of various origins, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
Enterosgel, unlike smecta, does not envelop the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestine, but penetrates into its folds and recesses, where the main centers of infection and inflammation are located. Enterosgel has a large surface area of the active molecule (150 m2/g vs. 100 m2/g in smecta), so it is able to adsorb more toxic substances, including heavy metals, radionuclides, petroleum products and other dangerous compounds. Enterosgel is effective in acute and chronic poisoning of various origins, as well as in renal failure, as it binds bilirubin and urea.
Side effects
Smecta and enterosgel are among the safe drugs that rarely cause side effects. However, they have some contraindications and possible complications.
Smecta is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as intestinal obstruction or suspicion of it. In rare cases, smecta may cause constipation, nausea or allergic reactions. Long-term use of smecta may reduce the absorption of other medicines from the gastrointestinal tract.
Enterosgel is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as in intestinal atony or obstruction. In rare cases, enterosgel may cause constipation, nausea or allergic reactions. Prolonged administration of enterosgel may reduce absorption of other drugs from the gastrointestinal tract.
Comparative table
For easy comparison of the main characteristics of smecta and enterosgel, you can use the following table:
Characterization | Smecta | Enterosgel |
Active ingredient | Dioctahedral smectite (diosmectite) | Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate |
Mechanism of action | Adsorbs and removes toxins, bacteria, viruses, allergens and gases; envelops and protects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines; eliminates diarrhea and restores intestinal microflora | Adsorbs and removes toxins, bacteria, viruses, allergens and gases; penetrates into the folds and recesses of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines; eliminates intoxication and inflammation |
Indications | Dyspepsia, diarrhea of various origins, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer | Poisoning of various origins, allergic reactions, hepatic and renal failure |
Contraindications | Individual intolerance, intestinal obstruction | Individual intolerance, intestinal atony or obstruction |
Side effects | Constipation, nausea, allergic reactions | Constipation, nausea, allergic reactions |
Price | From 150 to 300 rubles for 10 sachets | From 300 to 600 rubles for a tube of 225 grams or 10 sachets |
Form of release | Powder for preparation of suspension | Gel for preparation of suspension or paste for oral administration |
Feedback from doctors and patients
Smecta and Enterosgel have mostly positive reviews from both doctors and patients who have used these drugs to treat stomach and intestinal upset. Here are some of them:
- Therapist: «Smecta and Enterosgel are good enterosorbents that help with different types of diarrhea and poisoning. They are safe, not addictive and do not disrupt the intestinal microflora. I often prescribe them to my patients when there is such a need. However, I always select the drug individually, depending on the cause of the disorder, comorbidities and age of the patient. You should not take these drugs on your own without consulting a doctor, as this can hide a serious problem or aggravate the condition. «
- Patient, 25 years old: «I suffer from allergies to many foods, so I often have diarrhea and nausea after eating. Smecta helps me, it quickly eliminates these symptoms and soothes my stomach. I always keep it on hand just in case. I like that it is natural and has a pleasant flavor. «
- Patient, 40 years old: «I work in a factory where I am constantly in contact with chemicals. Sometimes I get dizziness, weakness and vomiting. I was advised Enterosgel, it removes toxins from the body well and improves well-being. I take it in courses on the recommendation of the doctor. I do not really like its consistency and lack of flavor, but I can endure it for the sake of health. «
Studies on diosmectite and polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate
Laboratory studies have shown that both drugs are effective and safe in the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea in children and adults. They have similar properties of adsorption, envelopment and cytoprotection, but have differences in chemical composition, mechanism of action and effect on the gut microbiota.
Dioctahedral smectite is a natural mineral composed of layers of aluminosilicates and water. It adsorbs water, ions, organic molecules, bacteria and toxins on its surface, forming a viscous mixture that envelops the mucosa and increases its resistance to aggressive factors. In addition, it improves the rheological properties of mucus, increasing its viscosity, and penetrates into the mucous (mucin) layer of the intestine, interacts with the glycocalyx, increases the formation of a protective jelly-like layer and improves its quality. Dioctahedral smectite does not affect the quantitative and qualitative composition of intestinal microflora, without disturbing its balance and functions.
Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate is a synthetic polymer composed of repeating units of methylsiloxane and water. It also adsorbs water, ions, organic molecules, bacteria and toxins on its surface, forming a gel-like mass that envelops the mucosa and reduces its contact with irritants. It stimulates the secretion of mucus and its excretion from the intestine, reducing endotoxemia and inflammation. Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate has a selective effect on the intestinal microbiota, reducing the number of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria, but without affecting beneficial bifido- and lactobacilli.
Studies have compared the efficacy and safety of dioctahedral smectite and polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate in the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea in children and adults. Most studies showed no statistically significant differences between the drugs in reducing the frequency and duration of diarrhea, improving the clinical condition and quality of life of patients, reducing the risk of dehydration and dysbacteriosis, and accelerating mucosal recovery. Both drugs were well tolerated, did not cause serious side effects and had no contraindications, except hypersensitivity to the drug and severe constipation of diarrhea .
Thus, dioctahedral smectite and polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate are effective and safe enterosorbents in the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea in children and adults.
Conclusion
Smecta and Enterosgel are modern and reliable drugs for the treatment of various stomach and intestinal disorders. They have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice between them should depend on the individual characteristics of the patient, the cause of the disorder, the severity of symptoms and the doctor's recommendations. Smecta is more suitable for the treatment of dyspepsia with diarrhea, heartburn, bloating and flatulence, since it is able to stabilize the mucosa of the GI tract. Enterosgel is a better choice for acute or chronic poisoning, as its absorption capacity is higher. Smecta has a lower cost than Enterosgel, but it also has a more pronounced taste and odor, which may not appeal to some patients. Enterosgel has a higher price than Smecta but also has a more neutral taste and odor, which may be more convenient to take. Both drugs rarely cause side effects and are well tolerated by most patients. However, before using either of them, you should consult your doctor and follow the instructions for use. We hope that our article helped you understand the differences between Smecta and Enterosgel and make the right choice for your health.