Attapulgite

Synonyms: Actapulgite; Attaclay; Attacote; Attagel; attapulgus; palygorscite; palygorskite; Pharmsorb Regular

Description: Attapulgite occurs as a light cream colored, very fine powder. Particle size ranges depend on the grade and manufacturer.

Chemical Name: Attapulgite

Adsorbent

• Attapulgite is widely used as an adsorbent in solid dosage forms.
• Colloidal clays (such as attapulgite) absorb considerable amounts of water to form gels and in concentrations of 2–5% w/v usually form oil-in-water emulsions.
• Activated attapulgite, which is attapulgite that has been carefully heated to increase its absorptive capacity, is used therapeutically as an adjunct in the management of diarrhea

Attapulgite may decrease the bioavailability of some drugs such as loperamide and riboflavin. Oxidation of hydrocortisone is increased in the presence of attapulgite.

Attapulgite is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. It is not absorbed following oral administration. In oral preparations, activated attapulgite up to 9 g is used in daily divided doses as an adjunct in the management of diarrhea.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask are recommended. Attapulgite should be handled in a wellventilated environment and dust generation should be minimized. When heated to decomposition, attapulgite emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Activated attapulgite; magnesium aluminum silicate.