Attapulgite occurs as a light cream colored, very fine powder.
Particle size ranges depend on the grade and manufacturer.
Worldwide attapulgite production in 1983 was estimated
at about 1.1 million tons, of which 84% came from the United
States. The primary use of attapulgite is as an animal
waste absorbent (cat litter). Other important uses of attapulgite
in the United States are as a component of drilling muds,
as oil and grease absorbents, and in fertilizer and pesticide
formulations.
Attapulgite occurs naturally as the mineral palygorskite.
A
hydrated aluminum-magnesium silicate, the chief
ingredient of fuller’s earth.
Pharmaceutical Applications
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.
Suspected carcinogen with experimental neoplastigenic and tumorigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
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.
Attapulgite can adsorb water. It should be stored in an airtight
container in a cool, dry, location.
Attapulgite may decrease the bioavailability of some drugs such as
loperamide and riboflavin. Oxidation of hydrocortisone is
increased in the presence of attapulgite.
Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in a number of
countries worldwide including the UK and USA.
