Diocalm

Morphine hydrochloride is a type of medicine called an opioid. Morphine is normally used as a painkiller, in much higher doses than are found in Diocalm. However, Diocalm tablets contain only a very small amount of morphine that would not have any painkilling effect.

The morphine in Diocalm treats diarrhoea by acting on opioid receptors that are found in the muscle lining the walls of the intestines. By acting on these receptors, morphine reduces the muscular contractions of the intestine (called peristalsis) that move food and faecal matter through the gut.

This reduces the speed at which the gut contents are pushed through the intestines, allowing more time for water and electrolytes to be reabsorbed from the gut contents back into the body. This results in firmer stools that are passed less frequently.

Attapulgite is a type of medicine called an adsorbent. It is insoluble and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead it acts locally in the intestines where it helps make the stools less liquid.

This combination of medicines can be used to relieve occasional bouts of diarrhoea. However, it is important that you also replace body fluids lost due to the diarrhoea. See warning below.

Diocalm tablets should be chewed and then followed by a drink of water.

What is it used for?

- Occasional diarrhoea and its associated pain and discomfort.

Warning!

- DON'T take this medicine and consult a doctor instead if any of the following apply to you: if your diarrhoea started either during or after taking a course of antibiotics; if the diarrhoea contains yellow or greenish mucus or blood; if you also have a fever.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
- Acute diarrhoea makes you lose more fluids and salts than you usually would and can make you dehydrated. This medicine only treats the diarrhoea symptoms and so will not rehydrate you. It is important that you drink plenty of fluids, or take an oral rehydration medicine, as well as taking this medicine in order to replace lost fluids. This is particularly important for frail and elderly people and children. Rehydration salts, which are soluble powders containing sugars and salts, can be bought from pharmacies.
- If symptoms persist for longer than 24 hours you should consult a doctor.

Not to be used in

- Children under six years of age
- Decreased kidney function.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should consult a doctor before using this medicine.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- None reported

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

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