The FDA (in all its wisdom) decided that products using attapulgite
such as the old Kaopectate and Parapectolin are not as effective as
those containing bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol), and
have forced manufacturers to change their formulation. Salicylates rip
my stomach up.  Immodium is too strong (stops everything for three
days :-< ).  I am looking either for a source of USP attapulgite, or
someone with a stash of OTC antidiarrheal with attapulgite for me to
purchase.  Compounding pharmacy can do it, but is too expensive.

Greetings Andreanc:

MedLinePlus offers a spec sheet on attapulgite at
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202076.html#Brands
and lists other brans containing it.  Have you checked those other
brands to see if they are available in your area?

They are (complete list):

Diar-Aid
Diarrest
Diasorb
Diatrol
Donnagel
Kaopectate
Kaopectate Advanced Formula
Kaopectate Maximum Strength
Kaopek
K-Pek
Parepectolin
Rheaban 

The latter two are prescription drugs so you might query your doctor
about trying them.  Donnagel is described at
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/drugs_view/1,1524,767,00.html
 and it is available in generic form.

I also found one called Joseph Antidiarrheal® at the site
http://www.medformation.com/mf/mm_qd.nsf/qd/dnx0305.htm

*************

Regarding purchase, you may order Kaopectate tablets where it is
stated they contain attapulgite at
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=10706&catid=9322&trx=PLST-0-SRCH-HV&trxp1=9322&trxp2=10706&trxp3=1&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SRCH-HV
"Active Ingredients: Each caplet contains: Attapulgite (750 mg)"

The liquid form is at
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp10708_333181_SW-banner/kaopectate/advanced_formula_concentrated_anti_diarrheal_peppermint.htm
"Active Ingredients: Each tablespoonful contains: Attapulgite (750
mg)"

*************

There is a Diarrest for animals but I didn't locate the same brand for
humans.
See http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/ProdSubList.cfm?specie=Sheep&Category=147&SCategory=243&Group_No=6485

"Diarrest Oral Soluble Powder Scour Treatment is a supportive oral
treatment for diarrhoea (scours). It is indicated for the replacement
of electrolytes, treatment of acidosis, reversal of dehydration and
supplementation of energy needs in calves, lambs and foals.
Presentation: Sachets (powder) 248.5g: 9's or 18's.
Administration: To be given orally. Mix 1 sachet in 2 Litres of warm
water and dose according to instructions."

You might speak to your pharmacist and ask if the sachets could be
prepared for humans - it's the same chemical you seek.

*************

Should you require clarification of any of the links or information I
have provided, please request it and I will be happy to respond.


SEARCH STRATEGY:

antidiarrheal attapulgite
antidiarrheal attapulgite order
antidiarrheal attapulgite buy
Diarrest
Kaopek
Rheaban
Donnagel
Joseph Antidiarrheal

I've been looking for kaopectate with attapulgite too since I recall
Pepto Bismol, the other drug with sodium subsalacylicate, as not
nearly as effective in my case.  They still sell the old version (with
attapulgite) in Canada, but you have to purchase it there since it
appears that pharmacies can't ship over the counter drugs to the US
anymore.  It may be that the Canadian version is still produced with
attapulgite.  At any rate, I spoke with a person in a Vancouver
pharmacy with the product (as of 11/04), but they wouldn't ship to me.
 So, if you take a trip there or know someone there, you should be
able to purchase it.

thank you for your descriptive answer. 
i too have been looking for the kaopectate attapulgite tablets, and
have been told they have been discontinued.  at first i thought it was
just similiar to the mouthwash wars, where competing brands are
knocked off the shelf by larger suppliers.
immodium is too harsh for me and makes me tired as a side effect.  yet
it seems to be the only tablet on the shelf in canada. too bad as the
kaopectate is very effective without side effects.
i will search for the tablet forms of the other varieties you
mentioned.  the tablets are easy to carry around for needs at work,
and immodium has proved entirely unsuitable.

Don't know if anyone will see this at this date, but I too have some
recent experience trying to find attapulgite or kaopectate with
attapulgite and this might just show up in a google search.

1.  It is true that Canadian pharmacies (even Wal-Mart) have
kaopectate with the old formulation with attapulgite.  However, as
stated, they (at least one pharmacy in Vancouver) also told me that
Canadian pharmacies are not allowed to ship OTC medications across the
border.  I found them at Wal Mart during a summer trip through part of
Canada.  None of the older brands still exist (with attapulgite at
least) in the U.S.

2.  This part might also be helpful.  I found an online company that
sells its own brand of anti-diarrheal with attapulgite.  It is called
Lab Safety Company (LSS).  They have a product called Di-Gon II for
anti-diarrhea relief which has 600 mg of attapulgite (compared to the
750 mg in Kaopectate--do the math to find the comparable dose).  It
comes in boxes with 100 tablets, but the price is pretty reasonable,
although I can't find my receipt at the moment.  The price is
something like $12 or so for the entire box.  The phone number of the
company is:  1800-356-0783 and their web site is: www.LSS.com.  It's
sort of strange to find a lab safety company selling this product, but
it's true.  Good luck.

3.  BTW, you may know that the reason for the reformultation was that
California banned the sale of the old Kaopectate and the FDA
intervened because there's a certain percentage of lead contained in
the clays that comprise attapulgite.  What I don't get is whether or
not the lead is soluble and gets into one's bloodstream since the
attapulgite works by binding soluble elements to it in your
intestines.  I doubt that they've done research on that!