Indications
Racecadotril is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea.
Therapeutic Class
Anti-diarrhoeal
Description
Racecadotril is a pure intestinal antisecretory active substance. It decreases the intestinal hypersecretion of water and electrolytes induced by cholera toxin or inflammation and does not have effects on basal secretory activity.Following oral administration, Racecadotril is rapidly absorbed and then hydrolysed to thiorphan, which is an inhibitor of enkephalinase, a cell membrane peptidase located in various tissues, notably the epithelium of the small intestine. This enzyme contributes both to the hydrolysis of exogenous peptides and to the breakdown of endogenous peptides such as enkephalins. Racecadotril protects enkephalins from enzymatic degradation thereby prolonging their action at enkephalinergic synapses in the small intestine and reducing hypersecretion. Racecadotril exerts rapid antidiarrhoeal action, without modifying the duration of intestinal transit.
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 (p
Dosage & 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.
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