Racecadotril Capsules 100 mg are an antidiarrhoeal medicine used for the symptomatic treatment of acute (sudden-onset) diarrhoea in adults. Racecadotril belongs to the enkephalinase inhibitor class and reduces the excess water and salts released into the intestine. It is used when the cause of the diarrhoea cannot be treated directly, or as a complementary treatment when it can.
Each capsule contains 100 mg of racecadotril. Racecadotril is a prodrug, meaning the body converts it into its active form, thiorphan, after it is absorbed.
It is an intestinal antisecretory medicine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of acute diarrhoea rather than to treat its underlying cause, and it does not replace rehydration.
Racecadotril Capsules 100 mg may be prescribed to:
Provide symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhoea in adults when treatment of the cause is not possible
Complement treatment of the cause when the cause of the diarrhoea can be treated
The capsules are intended for adults only. The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional.
The lining of the small intestine produces fluid and salts. In acute diarrhoea, this process can become excessive, leading to watery stools.
Racecadotril's active form, thiorphan, blocks an enzyme called enkephalinase. This helps protect natural substances in the gut called enkephalins from being broken down, which reduces the excess secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestine.
Unlike some other antidiarrhoeals, racecadotril does not change the speed at which food moves through the intestine. Racecadotril has a rapid antisecretory effect, but the time for diarrhoea to improve can vary between individuals.
Take Racecadotril exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Take the capsules according to the dose and schedule prescribed by your healthcare professional. Racecadotril is generally taken before main meals.
Treatment is generally continued until two normal stools have been passed. It should not exceed 7 days.
Racecadotril can be taken with or without food, but it is generally taken before main meals.
Swallow the capsule with water, and do not use it for children unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised it.
Racecadotril does not replace rehydration. Keep drinking fluids or use oral rehydration solutions as advised.
Do not use it for longer than advised or change your treatment without professional advice.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Racecadotril should not be used if you are allergic to racecadotril or any ingredient in the capsule. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have blood or pus in your stool, or a fever, as these may point to a more serious cause of diarrhoea.
Caution may be needed if you have:
Diarrhoea that is long-lasting (chronic) or linked to antibiotic use, as racecadotril has not been adequately studied in these conditions
Prolonged vomiting, which may reduce how much medicine is absorbed
Liver or kidney problems, as data are limited
A history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) or serious skin reactions
Lactose intolerance or related conditions, as the capsules contain lactose
Medicines that may interact with racecadotril include medicines that can increase the risk of angioedema (sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other areas), such as ACE inhibitors and certain other medicines that affect the renin-angiotensin system.
This is not a full list. Check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.
There is limited data on racecadotril use in pregnancy. Animal studies have not shown direct or indirect harm, but because specific clinical studies are lacking, it is generally not recommended during pregnancy.
It is not known whether racecadotril passes into breast milk, so it is generally not recommended during breastfeeding. Recommendations may vary between countries. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Like all medicines, Racecadotril can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Main side effects include:
Headache
Skin rash
Skin redness
Seek prompt medical attention for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, eyelids, or throat, hives, difficulty breathing, or signs of a severe skin reaction such as a widespread rash with fever.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Racecadotril according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging. Storage conditions can differ between manufacturers.
Keep the capsules in their original packaging until use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
What is Racecadotril Capsules 100 mg used for?
It is used for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhoea in adults. It may be used when the cause cannot be treated, or alongside treatment of the cause.
How long does racecadotril take to work?
Racecadotril has a rapid antisecretory effect, but the time for diarrhoea to improve varies between individuals. Continue appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement while symptoms are present.
What time of day should I take racecadotril?
Follow the schedule prescribed by your healthcare professional. Racecadotril is generally taken before main meals.
Is generic racecadotril the same as Hidrasec?
Hidrasec is a well-known brand of racecadotril, and generic capsules contain the same active substance. Inactive ingredients, packaging, and approved details may differ by manufacturer and country.
Should I stop racecadotril once my diarrhoea improves?
Follow the treatment duration recommended by your healthcare professional or stated in the patient information leaflet. If diarrhoea persists, worsens, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.
Does racecadotril replace oral rehydration?
No. It does not change the usual rehydration approach, so keep up fluids and salts as advised.
