Norit: function, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Functions & Usage

What is Norit medicine for?

Norit is a drug that is often used to treat diarrhea, apart from ORS. Diarrhea causes a person to urinate more than usual, the texture of the stool is more fluid, accompanied by symptoms of abdominal pain, weakness, stomach cramps and bloating and even nausea and vomiting.

Norit is made from active carbo or carbo activus which is sourced from chemically activated plants to produce activated charcoal. This material has a strong absorption power so that it can absorb various substances easily.

This medication does not work by killing, blocking, or neutralizing bacteria or other causes of diarrhea. Rather, it absorbs harmful substances or foreign substances that are in the digestive tract.

Once absorbed, active carbohydrates will help remove foreign substances that are considered to be toxins that cause diarrhea from the body along with waste, namely feces. That way, all substances that cause diarrhea will be removed from the body with feces and eventually the diarrhea symptoms will disappear slowly.

Apart from treating diarrhea, this drug can also be used to get rid of excess gas in the stomach or other digestive problems. This anti-diarrheal drug works without disturbing normal body functions and is considered safe because it will not be absorbed by the body through the blood.

Apart from treating diarrhea, active carbohydrates can also be used to treat poisoning. However, in some cases the use of this drug is not effective in acute poisoning caused by cyanide, lithium or overdoses due to alcohol and iron supplements.

What are the rules for using Norit?

Use diarrhea medicine according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging, if you are using this medicine without a doctor's prescription. Read the instructions for use carefully before you use this anti-diarrheal medicine. Save the drug use paper or packaging with the instructions for use so that it is not lost. This is to help you use the drug at a later time.

If your doctor has prescribed this diarrhea medicine for you, you should take this medicine according to the recommended prescription. This medicine is in tablet form, so the way to drink it is to swallow it with a glass of water. If you have trouble taking the drug in tablet form, consult your doctor to help you take the medicine smoothly.

How to save Norit?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, that is, it is not exposed to direct sunlight. However, it is also not in a humid place so keep it in a dry, closed place. Do not store in the bathroom or freeze in the refrigerator.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. So, always read beforehand how to store drugs which are usually listed on the packaging or special paper in the packaging.

Observe the drug storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. So that the medicine is not damaged or not consumed by your child or pet.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

What is the dose of Norit for adults?

This anti-diarrheal drug can be used in the following doses (based on the conditions experienced) for adults:

• Diarrhea, with or without stomach cramps: 3-4 capsules three times a day, up to 12 capsules daily
• Flatulence due to excessive gas in the intestines, or other digestive disorders: 2 capsules after meals, repeated after 2 hours
• Food poisoning: 1 g / kg, repeated in short intervals as needed

What is the dose of Norit for children?

The dosage of the drug Norit for children is the same as the dosage for adults. However, for children under 3 years of age, the use of these anti-diarrheal drugs is only according to the doctor's instructions. Do not use this medication for children under 3 years of age without a doctor's permission.

In what dosages and preparations Norit is available?

Unlike ORS which is a liquid solution, this diarrhea medicine is only available in capsules with a dosage size of 200 mg.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Norit?

Every drug has side effects, including this anti-diarrheal drug. Possible minor side effects that occur after using Norit, include:

• Constipation.Feces that are initially liquid will become denser with this drug. Most likely, constipation can occur.
• Black stool.Apart from constipation, the stool that you pass will also turn darker or black in color. This happens because the toxins that cause diarrhea are excreted with feces.
• The mouth tastes bitter.This anti-diarrheal drug made from activated carbon can make the mouth turn black and leave a bitter taste on the tongue.

The side effects above are very common, while the less common Norit side effects include:

• Bowel movements slow down
• There was a blockage at usu
• Dehydration (the body lacks fluids)
• Fluid from the stomach rises to the lung area (regurgitation)

When should you get a doctor's care for Norit side effects?

Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Although rare, in some cases side effects can be fatal. Here are some side effects or body reactions that require you to get prompt medical attention, including:

Allergy signs appear

Not everyone is suitable for using this diarrhea medicine. The reason is, there are some people who are intolerant of the ingredients contained in this drug. Usually signs of an allergy that appear include:

• A rash appears on the skin and sometimes feels itchy
• Swollen, peeling, or blistered skin
• Fever
• There is tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or difficulty swallowing
• The voice turned hoarse
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue and throat

Metabolic disorders

Apart from allergic reactions, other side effects that must be considered for immediate medical attention are metabolic disorders. This usually happens because of using Norit together with sorbitol. Mathematical disorders that may occur include:

• Hypernatremia (high sodium levels in the blood, causing weakness, thirst, nausea, and decreased appetite)
• Hypermagnesemia (high levels of magnesium in the blood, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, headaches, lethargy, and continuing diarrhea)
• Dehydration (lack of body fluids) and shock

If the initial use of this diarrhea medicine causes side effects that make you uncomfortable, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will consider replacing the drug with another drug whose side effects are safer or at least have less side effects.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Norit?

You should not take Norit at the same time as other medicines. Besides being able to cause side effects that might bother you, this diarrhea medicine works by absorbing foreign substances that are in the digestive tract and then ending up in the toilet.

If this medicine is taken together with other medicines it will not have any effect on your body. The reason is, anti-diarrheal drugs may immediately absorb and excrete other medicinal contents along with feces.

If you are currently using the contraceptive pill, you should ask your doctor for advice before you use Norit. The doctor may change the dose or method of use. If diarrhea persists after three days of treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Before you use this diarrhea medicine, check the validity period of the medicine which is usually printed on the container or package of the medicine. If it is not listed and possibly it has been stored for a long time in the medicine cabinet, you should not use it. Better to find a new drug with a clear validity period.

Using expired diarrhea medicine usually does not cause side effects. Because the drug content has started to decrease or is no longer effective. However, it is advisable not to use this expired diarrhea medicine.

Is Norit safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Until now, Norit can be said to be safe for consumption by pregnant and lactating women. This diarrhea medicine will not affect a fetus or a breastfeeding baby.

Use the diarrhea medicine according to the instructions and instructions for use. Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as Norit?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

If you have to take other drugs besides Norit, you should take this medicine separately at different times when you are taking this antidiarrheal. Some drugs that interact with this diarrhea medicine include:

• Acetylcysteine ​​(a drug to thin phlegm that blocks the respiratory tract)
• Citalopram (an antidepressant class drug to restore serotonin balance in the brain, thereby increasing your energy and feelings)
• Digoxin (a drug to treat arrhythmias and heart failure)
• Dyphylline (a bronchodilator drug that can relax the lungs and reduce their sensitivity to allergens)
• Methotrexate (a drug to prevent the growth of certain cells in the body)
• Theophylline (a drug to treat and prevent shortness of breath and difficulty breathing)
• Acarbose (a drug to control high blood sugar levels)
• Leflunomide (a drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
• Miglitol (a drug to control high blood pressure)

What foods and drinks should not be consumed when using Norit?

Certain drugs should not be used while eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your drug use with certain foods, alcohol, coffee, or tobacco with your doctor to avoid unwanted things.

Are there certain health conditions that Norit should avoid?

If you have conditions of gastrointestinal obstruction, acute abdominal pain, and ulcerative colitis, you should avoid using Norit. This diarrhea medicine may make your condition worse. Consult your doctor, what drugs should you take.

Apart from illness, you also need to avoid using this diarrhea medicine in certain situations. For example, if you are going to operate heavy equipment or drive a vehicle. It is feared that this drug will cause drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, or headaches.

These side effects can break your concentration and jeopardize your safety. It is recommended to take temporary breaks while you are using this medicine. In addition to preventing unwanted things from happening, your body will also recover faster if you rest.

Overdose

What are the symptoms of Norit overdose and what are the effects?

Do not use this diarrhea medicine for more than the prescribed dose. Taking more medication will not relieve symptoms. Instead, it will cause poisoning, overdose, or more severe side effects.

If your diarrhea or other digestive problems get worse, or you suddenly develop other symptoms after taking this diarrhea medicine, you are likely to have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose due to Norit include:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Dizzy

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In an emergency or overdose situation, call 119 or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Do not delay this treatment because it can make your condition worse and endanger your condition. Bring along the container or label of the medicine you use to help your doctor or medical team manage your condition.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember it after it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose. Then, continue using according to schedule.

Do not take more than the prescribed dose if you forget to take the medication and it is nearing the second time to take it. This can increase the risk of overdose and make your symptoms worse, not improve your condition.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.