Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Polysorb for cleansing the body and weight loss: how to take, how much to drink
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Indications Polysorb
The drug Polysorb (other trade names - Atoxil, Silix) is intended for enterosorption, that is, for cleansing the body of waste and toxins (from outside or internal):
- for acute intestinal infections of various etiologies, including salmonellosis, dysentery (shigellosis), rotavirus, etc.;
- in cases of food poisoning, as well as in cases of allergic reactions to food products or medications;
- when conducting detoxification therapy in cases of poisoning with potent chemicals, alkaloids, drugs. True, this remedy will not cure alcoholism, but in case of a hangover it will help to cope with poisoning with acetaldehyde (a metabolite of ethyl alcohol).
Polysorb can also be prescribed to patients with intestinal microflora disorders (dysbiosis); with viral hepatitis (to remove excess bilirubin); with severe renal failure accompanied by retention hyperazotemia.
Since the condition of the skin directly depends on the functioning of the intestines, dermatologists recommend taking adsorbents, then cleansing the skin from acne will be much more effective.
Complex treatment of psoriasis also includes enterosorption.
Cleansing the body with Polysorb for weight loss is not listed in the instructions for this product (in the list of indications for use), however, many nutritionists advise taking a course of bowel cleansing when switching to an optimal calorie diet.
[ 3 ]
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of Polysorb is ensured by the high biosorption activity of its active substance – pyrogenic silicon dioxide (also known as additive E551), which is an amorphous fine powder that does not form salts and is insoluble in water.
But when mixed with it, silicon dioxide powder forms a suspension (colloidal solution), the discrete particles of which have a very large specific surface and the ability to physically adsorb. In the gastrointestinal tract, the outer surfaces of each particle of powder - due to the action of hydroxyl and silanol groups of silicon atoms and electrostatic intermolecular interaction - attract and retain molecules of toxic substances.
Thus, this product helps cleanse intestinal juice from the waste products of microorganisms and microbial decay of proteins, toxic metabolites of endogenous origin (bile acids and pigments, micelle complexes, medium-molecular peptides, etc.), as well as the binding of cholesterol (coming from food) and other non-polar lipids and lipoproteins - with their natural removal during bowel movements.
Pharmacokinetics
After taking Polysorb, the active substance does not dissolve upon contact with biological fluids (contained in the gastrointestinal tract), is not subject to breakdown, and is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream.
Silicon dioxide maintains physicochemical stability throughout its entire stay in the intestines and is excreted from the body in the feces.
Dosing and administration
The correct way to drink and take Polysorb to cleanse the body, before or after meals and in what quantity, is indicated in the official instructions.
The average daily dose of Polysorb for adults is 100-200 mg/kg of body weight (6-12 g), divided into three to four doses. The maximum daily dose is 330 mg/kg (20 g).
The daily dose for children depends on body weight (100 mg/kg).
To prepare the suspension, mix the powder with water (a quarter or half a glass is enough). Take it an hour before meals, but in case of food allergies - immediately before or during meals.
How many days should you drink Polysorb to cleanse your body in different cases?
In case of acute poisoning – three to five days; in case of viral hepatitis – up to ten days; in case of allergic and atopic diseases – up to two weeks; in case of chronic renal failure – for a month.
Use Polysorb during pregnancy
As stated in the instructions for Polysorb, its use during pregnancy is permitted. However, in the instructions for the drug synonymous with Atoxil (containing the same silicon dioxide), pregnancy and lactation are considered contraindications - since there is no information regarding the safety of this drug for pregnant women.
Contraindications
Enterosorbents with silicon dioxide are contraindicated in acute gastric ulcers and erosions of the walls of any part of the small intestine, with decreased gastric motility and intestinal peristalsis, with inflammation of the large intestine and its spastic obstruction.
It is also contraindicated for use in children under one year of age.
Interactions with other drugs
As with the use of other sorbents, the simultaneous use of Polysorb with other drugs is unacceptable due to a decrease in the therapeutic effect of the latter.
[ 21 ]
Storage conditions
The drug should be stored away from light, in a dry place, at a temperature of +15-25°C. After opening the bottle, it must be tightly closed.
[ 22 ]
Shelf life
The shelf life of an unopened bottle is 5 years. The prepared suspension can be used within two days.
Analogues
A similar effect is provided by such means and medications for bowel cleansing as activated carbon, Sorbex, Enterosgel, Polyphepan (with hydrolytic lignin), Lactofiltrum (in addition to lignin, contains the prebiotic lactulose), Ultrasorb, baking soda, etc.
In addition, it is recommended to use herbal infusions or teas for cleansing the body, which contain dried leaves of stinging nettle, peppermint, cilantro (coriander); wormwood herb; calendula flowers; dandelion roots; milk thistle seeds.
Reviews from doctors about the effectiveness of Polysorb for cleansing the body give reason to conclude that this enterosorbent really helps in cleansing the body of waste and toxins.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Polysorb for cleansing the body and weight loss: how to take, how much to drink" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.