Generic
Racecadotril
9 brands available in the market
At a glance
Racecadotril is used for the treatment of symptoms of acute diarrhea. It is an anti-secretory agent that reduces the secretion of water and electrolytes from the intestine, helping to reduce fluid loss from the body in diarrhea.
Description
Racecadotril increases the availability of endogenous opioids (enkephalins) by inhibiting membrane-bound enkephalinase. These enkephalins activate delta-opioid receptors in the GI tract, leading to a reduction in cAMP mucosal levels, resulting in reduced secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestinal lumen.
Indications
- Acute diarrhea
Therapeutic class
Anti-diarrheal
Pharmacological class
Enkephalinase Inhibitor (Anti-secretory)
Pharmacology
Racecadotril increases enkephalin levels in the gut by inhibiting enkephalinase enzyme. Enkephalins activate delta-opioid receptors, which reduce cAMP levels in intestinal cells and decrease water and electrolyte secretion, thereby reducing diarrhea.
Mechanism of action
Reduces diarrhea by decreasing intestinal water and electrolyte secretion.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Acute diarrhea: 100 mg three times daily
- Continue until 2 normal stools are recorded; max duration 7 days
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 3 months-17 years 27 kg: 60 mg three times daily
- Continue until 2 normal stools are recorded; max duration 7 days
Administration
- Take with food
- Sachet: Take directly or mixed with water; mix well and give the total dose immediately
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Vomiting
- Fever
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect driving ability
- Use with oral rehydration solution (ORS)
- Do not use if blood and pus in stools or fever (may be bacterial infection)
- Do not use in uncontrolled vomiting
- Do not use in children under 3 months
- Do not take for more than 7 days
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to racecadotril or any excipient
Drug interactions
No known interactions.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Racecadotril.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding use during pregnancy is not available; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information regarding use during breastfeeding is not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Do not use in children under 3 months; avoid use in children with underlying kidney disease.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; consult your doctor.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed; avoid use in children with underlying kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if taken in excess.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Racecadotril