kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined adsorbent, antacid and gut-motility suppressant
Licensed use
Relief of diarrhoea and upset-stomach symptoms
Age range
Adults and young people over 12; not recommended under 12
Form
Oral suspension that separates on standing and must be shaken
What is kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate used for?
Licensed for symptom relief in adults and young people over 12.
Diarrhoea symptoms
Upset-stomach symptoms
How does kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate work?
Kaolin remains in the gut, where it adsorbs substances and adds bulk to stools. Sodium hydrogen carbonate neutralises stomach acid, while morphine slows intestinal movement. Together, these actions may reduce diarrhoea and stomach upset symptoms.
How to take kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate
Take the suspension by mouth exactly as directed on its label or by a healthcare professional.
Shake the bottle before measuring the suspension.
Do not take more than the label states.
Do not take it with alcoholic or hot drinks.
Keep the bottle tightly closed and store below 25°C.
kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Stomach cramps or wind
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness or confusion
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
- A widespread pustular rash, sometimes with fever
- Severe upper-abdominal pain that may indicate pancreatitis or biliary spasm
- Marked drowsiness, pinpoint pupils or reduced consciousness after excessive use
kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate in pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy unless recommended by a doctor. Evidence about morphine exposure is limited. Use near delivery may cause breathing, feeding or withdrawal problems in the newborn.
kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate while breastfeeding
Do not use while breastfeeding unless recommended by a doctor. Morphine passes into breast milk and may cause infant drowsiness, poor feeding, constipation or slowed breathing. An exposed infant may require monitoring, particularly if newborn or exclusively breastfed.
kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate interactions
Kaolin and sodium hydrogen carbonate can alter absorption in the gut, while morphine can add to sedation and respiratory depression.
Benzodiazepines, hypnotics and other sedatives
Combined use can cause profound drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma or death.
Alcohol
Can increase drowsiness and other serious morphine effects; the product label says not to combine them.
Gabapentin or pregabalin
Additive central nervous system depression can increase sedation and breathing risk.
Common questions about kaolin light + morphine + sodium hydrogen carbonate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is licensed to relieve diarrhoea and upset-stomach symptoms in adults and young people over 12.
Can children take it?
It is not recommended for children under 12.
Why must it be shaken?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.