# polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate > hydrogel polymer **Wikidata**: [Q16855740](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16855740) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymethylsiloxane_polyhydrate) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/polymethylsiloxane-polyhydrate ## Summary Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate is a hydrogel polymer used primarily as a medication. It functions as an adsorbent, binding toxins and pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract without being absorbed into the bloodstream. ## Key Facts - Instance of: hydrogel, medication - Aliases: polymetilsiloxan, Enterosgel, Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate - Wikidata description: hydrogel polymer - Freebase ID: /m/010f8td0 - Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/1q6118qwv - Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued): 2776477055 - Wikipedia title: Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate - Available in multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Ukrainian - Commons category: Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate ## FAQs ### Q: What is polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate used for? A: It is used medically as an enterosorbent to treat intoxication, diarrhea, and other conditions by binding harmful substances in the gut. It is not metabolized or absorbed by the body. ### Q: Is polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate safe? A: Yes, it is considered safe due to its inert nature and lack of systemic absorption. It passes through the digestive system unchanged, carrying toxins with it. ### Q: How does polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate work? A: As a hydrogel, it forms a three-dimensional network that traps toxins, bacteria, viruses, and allergens within the gastrointestinal tract, which are then expelled from the body through feces. ## Why It Matters Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate plays a significant role in medical detoxification and gastroenterology. Its unique ability to selectively bind a wide range of toxic substances while remaining chemically inert makes it valuable in treating acute and chronic poisoning, infectious diseases, allergic reactions, and even cosmetic applications such as skin cleansing. Unlike activated charcoal, another common sorbent, it does not interfere with nutrient absorption or medications when properly administered. This positions it as a versatile and safer alternative in many clinical settings. ## Notable For - Being a non-absorbable hydrogel used clinically for detoxification - Functioning effectively across a broad spectrum of toxins without disrupting normal gut flora - Having minimal side effects due to its chemical inertness - Serving as the active ingredient in the drug Enterosgel, widely used in medical practice - Offering both oral and topical formulations for internal and external use ## Body ### Chemical Classification and Structure Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate belongs to the class of hydrogels—networks of hydrophilic polymer chains capable of absorbing large amounts of water. These properties allow it to swell and form a gel-like consistency in aqueous environments like the gastrointestinal tract. ### Medical Applications It is marketed under names such as Enterosgel and used primarily as an enterosorbent. It binds: - Endotoxins and exotoxins - Bacterial and viral particles - Allergens and inflammatory mediators - Heavy metals and organic poisons Its mechanism involves physical adsorption rather than chemical interaction, making it highly effective and safe for repeated use. ### Regulatory and Commercial Status The compound has been approved for medical use in several countries and is manufactured in various pharmaceutical forms including gels and pastes. It is included in national essential medicines lists in some regions due to its efficacy and safety profile. ### Physical and Functional Characteristics - Appears as a white or pale yellow gel - Odorless and tasteless - pH-neutral - Does not alter stool consistency significantly - Can be administered alongside food or other drugs without interference These features make it suitable for pediatric, geriatric, and sensitive patient populations.