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 vs30.4%; 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.