Racecadotril

Indications

Racecadotril is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea.

Pharmacology

Racecadotril increases the availability of endogenous opioids (enkephalins) by inhibiting the membrane-bound enkephalinase. The enkephalins in turn mediate their effect through δ receptor ( delta opioid receptor) activation that induces a selective increase in Cl absorption by inhibiting adenylate cyclase.

Onset: 30 min (plasma enkephalinase inhibition).

Dosage And Administration

Adults: One capsule initially, regardless of the time of day. Then one capsule three times daily preferably before the main meals.

Children (from 3 months of age): Racecadotril granules should be administered together with oral rehydration. The recommended dose is determined according to body weight: 1.5 mg/kg per administration, three times daily.

Infants less than 9 kg: one 10 mg sachet 3 times daily.
Infants from 9 kg to 13 kg: two 10 mg sachets 3 times daily.
Children from 13 kg to 27 kg: one 30mg sachet 3 times daily.
Children of more than 27 kg: two 30mg sachets 3 times daily.

Interaction

No drug interactions found. Joint treatment with Racecadotril and Loperamide or Nifuroxazide does not modify the kinetics of Racecadotril.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Racecadotril, or to any of the excipients.

Side Effects

Headache, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema may be seen.

Pregnancy And Lactation

Due to a lack of clinical data, Racecadotril should not be administered to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Precautions And Warnings

The administration of Racecadotril does not modify the usual rehydration regimens. The presence of bloody stools and fever may indicate the presence of invasive bacteria as a reason for diarrhea or the presence of other severe disease. Racecadotril has not been tested in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and should therefore not be administered under these conditions. Caution should be taken in patients with renal or liver impairment.

Overdose Effects

No cases of overdose have been reported. In adults, single doses above 2 g which is equivalent to 20 times the therapeutic dose, have been administered, and no harmful effects have been described.