Kaolin/Pectin
Hydrated aluminum silicate / Polygalacturonic acid polymer
Also known as: Kaopectolin · Kao-Pect · Kaolin Pectin Suspension · Kapectolin · bolus alba · E559 · weisser ton · Childrens Diarrhoea Mixture · Entrocalm · Kao-Pront · Kaogel
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Audited v13 dosing evidence
Structured calculator evidenceDiarrhea and loose stools (extra-label)
- q6-8h
NA
Governing clinical context (3)
- NOTE: Evidence to support the efficacy of kaolin/pectin is weak.
- All dosages are anecdotal and extra-label as no products have undergone the FDA approval process for use in animals.
- Store kaolin/pectin in airtight containers at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F-86°F); protect from freezing. Shake well before using.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Kaolin/pectin is an oral gastrointestinal combination product historically used as an anti-diarrheal and adsorbent agent.
- Kaolin is a naturally occurring hydrated aluminum silicate that is powdered and refined. It is practically insoluble in water.
- Pectin is a carbohydrate polymer consisting primarily of partially methoxylated polygalacturonic acids, obtained from citrus rinds or apple pomace.
Clinical Pearls & Expert Notes:
Efficacy Warning: The clinical efficacy of kaolin/pectin is highly questionable. While it may improve stool consistency (making it less fluid), studies show it does not decrease stool frequency, water content, or overall weight. It is largely considered obsolete in modern veterinary practice for severe diarrhea. Toxicity Alert: Many human over-the-counter products that formerly contained kaolin/pectin (such as Kaopectate®) have been reformulated. In the US, Kaopectate® now contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is a salicylate (aspirin-like) compound that can be highly toxic to cats. Always verify the active ingredients of OTC anti-diarrheal liquids before administration.
Mechanism of action
Kaolin/pectin acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract through physical binding and coating mechanisms:
- Adsorption: Kaolin physically binds (adsorbs) to bacteria, enterotoxins, and potentially other noxious substances in the gut lumen, preventing their systemic absorption or local mucosal damage.
- Mucosal Protection: The viscous suspension coats the inflamed gastrointestinal mucosa, providing a physical barrier against irritation.
- pH Alteration: The pectin component is broken down into galacturonic acid in the intestinal lumen → decreases the local pH, which may create a less favorable environment for certain pathogenic bacteria.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Should not be used as the sole treatment for severe or chronic diarrhea
- Should not replace adequate fluid and electrolyte monitoring/replacement therapy
Adverse effects
- Transient constipation
- Fecal impaction (especially at high doses or in debilitated, very old, or very young patients)
- Increased fecal sodium loss (documented in rats)
Precautions
There are no absolute contraindications, but kaolin/pectin must not be relied upon to control severe diarrheas. It is not a substitute for appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy. Use with caution in debilitated, very young, or geriatric patients due to the risk of fecal impaction. Verify product ingredients, as many human brands (e.g., Kaopectate) have replaced kaolin/pectin with bismuth subsalicylate, which is toxic to cats.
Drug interactions
Kaolin/pectin may impair the oral absorption of digoxin. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
Kaolin/pectin may inhibit the oral absorption of lincomycin. Administer kaolin/pectin at least 2 hours before or 3-4 hours after the lincomycin dose.
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy (resolution of diarrhea, improvement in stool consistency)
- Fluid and electrolyte status (especially in cases of severe or prolonged diarrhea)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Neither kaolin nor pectin are absorbed systemically after oral administration. They act locally within the gastrointestinal lumen.
Distribution
Remains in the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Up to 90% of the administered pectin may be decomposed in the gut.
Elimination
Excreted in the feces.
Overdose
Overdosage is unlikely to cause any serious systemic effects since the ingredients are not absorbed. However, significant constipation or fecal impaction requiring medical treatment may occur.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral suspension
Veterinary
- Kaolin Pectin 90 gr kaolin/2 grams pectin per fluid oz. (generic, Bimeda, Durvet)
- Kaolin Pectin Plus® (AgriPharm)
- Kao-Pec® (AgriLabs)
- Kao-Pect® (Phoenix Pharmaceutical)
- Kaopectolin (Aspen, Butler)
- Kaolin Pectin Suspension 90 grams kaolin/4 grams pectin per fl oz. (Vedco)
Human-labeled
- Kaolin, Pectin Antidiarrheal Suspension: 90 grams kaolin, 2 grams pectin/30 mL
- Kapectolin (various)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store in airtight containers and protect from freezing. Physically incompatible when mixed with alkalis, heavy metals, salicylic acid, tannic acid, or strong alcohol.
Client information
- Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the suspension is properly mixed.
- Do not substitute human products: Never give human over-the-counter diarrhea medications (like modern Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) to your pets, especially cats, without veterinary approval. Many of these now contain bismuth subsalicylate, which is highly toxic to cats.
- Monitor your pet: This medication may help firm up the stool but does not cure the underlying cause of diarrhea.
- When to call the vet: If the diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, or if your pet appears listless, lethargic, develops a high fever, or shows signs of dehydration, contact your veterinarian immediately.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.