Racecadotril is a medicine used to treat acute diarrhea in adults and children. It is an antidiarrheal, which helps reduce the number of watery stools, the frequency of bowel movements, and the urgency to go to the toilet. It helps to restore the balance of electrolytes in the body, which can be disrupted by diarrhea. Racecadotril is available as an oral tablet or oral suspension and is taken three times a day, after meals. It should not be used for more than five days. Common side effects of Racecadotril include abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness.
Racecadotril is a medication used to treat acute diarrhea in both children and adults [1, 2]. It works differently from some other antidiarrheal medications and may offer certain advantages. Here's a closer look:
Mechanism of Action:
- Unlike opioid medications used for diarrhea, which slow down gut motility (movement), Racecadotril has an antisecretory effect [1, 2].
- It works by inhibiting a specific enzyme called enkephalinase in the gut. This enzyme breaks down natural substances in the body called enkephalins, which have an inhibitory effect on fluid secretion [2, 3].
- By inhibiting enkephalinase, Racecadotril allows enkephalins to function more effectively, ultimately reducing the amount of water and electrolytes secreted into the intestine, leading to firmer stools and decreased diarrhea [2, 3].
Advantages over Opioid Antidiarrheals:
- Racecadotril may cause less constipation and bloating compared to opioid medications used for diarrhea [1, 2].
- This can be especially beneficial for children and people who already experience constipation issues.
Uses:
- Primarily used to treat acute diarrhea, which is characterized by loose, watery stools for a short period (usually less than 2 weeks) [1, 4].
- It can be used alongside oral rehydration therapy (ORT), which is crucial for replacing fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea [4].
Important Considerations:
- Racecadotril should only be used under the supervision of a doctor, especially for children [1].
- It's not suitable for everyone and may not be recommended for people with certain medical conditions [1].
- Potential side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, although these are generally mild and short-lived [1].