Gelatin tannate versus other antidiarrheal medication in children with acute gastroenteritis: a retrospective, observational study.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of gelatin tannate (GT) for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children.

Materials & Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, children admitted for AGE received GT ± oral rehydration solution (ORS; n = 46) or other antidiarrheal medications ± ORS (n = 46). Number and consistency of stools were recorded.

Results: Children were aged 6 months to 7.9 years. GT ± ORS reduced diarrhea duration (29.0 vs 45.4 h, p < 0.0001) and normalized stool consistency at 72 h in significantly more patients (87.0 vs 30.4%; p = 0.026) compared with other antidiarrheal medications ± ORS. Differences in favor of GT were apparent from 12 h onward.

Conclusion: GT is more effective than conventional treatment for managing AGE in children.