Radola

Indications

Racecadotril (also spelled racecadrotil) is used for the short-term treatment of sudden (acute) watery diarrhoea in adults and children, together with oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluid and salts.

How It Works

Racecadotril blocks an enzyme in the gut wall called enkephalinase. This lets the body's own natural substances (enkephalins) reduce the amount of water and salt released into the bowel. It cuts fluid loss without slowing the movement of the gut.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: one 100 mg capsule at the start, then 100 mg three times a day, preferably before main meals, until two normal stools are passed. Do not use for more than 7 days. Children: sachets dosed by body weight, as prescribed. Always give ORS and keep drinking fluids alongside it.

Interactions

Taking it with ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medicines such as Enalapril, Ramipril or Captopril) may increase the risk of angioedema, a sudden swelling under the skin.

Contraindications

• Allergy to racecadotril or any ingredient of the product.
• Some children's sachets contain sucrose and should not be used in children with rare inherited sugar intolerance; check the label.

Side Effects

Usually well tolerated. Possible:

• Headache.
• Skin rash, itching or redness.
• Rarely, swelling of the face, lips or tongue (angioedema).

Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe skin reaction. Also see a doctor promptly for blood or pus in the stools, high fever, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, drowsiness, sunken eyes in a child), or diarrhoea that lasts more than 7 days.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there is not enough safety information. Ask a doctor about other options.

Precautions and Warnings

• It does not replace fluids; ORS is the main treatment for diarrhoea.
• Diarrhoea with blood, pus or high fever may be caused by bacteria and needs a doctor's assessment.
• Use with care in liver or kidney disease and in long-lasting diarrhoea, including diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.
• Stop and seek help if a skin reaction appears.

Overdose

Experience with overdose is limited. If too much is taken, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Antidiarrhoeal (enkephalinase inhibitor).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.