Racecadotril is a pediatric drug that falls into the category of enkephalinase inhibitors. Racecadotril is generally prescribed for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children. It is a prodrug that is broken down to a different compound once it enters the body. As a pediatric drug, it is only used when dietary measures fail and when optimal fluid intake cannot control diarrhea.
Uses & Benefits of Racecadotril:
Racecadotril is to treat acute diarrhea in young patients (i.e.) infants and children. It is not used to treat any other associated illness or any other digestive system disorders in children.
Read More: Candid Mouth Paint Uses | Nexpro Tablet Uses
Side effects of Racecadotril:
The below-mentioned side-effects do not always occur. However, these side-effects have known to occur in a small percentage of the population. The following are the side-effects of Racecadotril that may occur:
- Vomiting
- Tonsillitis
- Skin rash
- Swelling of face and lips (very rarely seen)
- A Headache
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Redness of the skin
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Angioedema
In case any of the above-mentioned reactions occur, a doctor should be approached immediately.
Read More: Nutrolin B Side Effects | Olix 0.1% Side Effects
Common Dosage of Racecadotril:
The dosage and duration advised by the doctor should be adhered without fail. Racecadotril is almost always prescribed along with Oral rehydration systems so that the body has adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement.
The duration prescribed by the doctor should be followed. Generally, the drug is prescribed until the child has normal stools; but it cannot be taken for more than seven days.
In case of a missed dose, give the child as soon as you remember. However, if the timing is close to the next dose, avoid it. Never overdose on the medication. Overdosage in children may lead to drastic reactions.
The medication should be taken orally, either diluted with water or as such as per the doctor’s advice.
Read More: Calcium Sandoz Dosages | Patanjali Power Vita Dosages
Composition and Nature of Racecadotril:
Racecadotril is the generic name of enkephalinase inhibiting drugs. It is marketed under various brand names such as Raceloc, Racecather, Redotil by various pharmaceutical companies. It is sold in the form of syrup or as capsules.
Racecadotril is the main active ingredient in these drugs. It is also known as acetorphan. The chemical formula of the compound is C21H23NO4S and the molar mass is 385.47662 g/mol.
Read More: Betnovate Composition | Bromhexine Composition
How Does Racecadotril work?
Racecadotril works by preventing the endogenous enkephalins from degrading. In doing so, the hyper section of water and necessary electrolytes into the lumen of the intestine is reduced. This action is termed anti-secretory.
In simple terms, the secretion of water and electrolytes from the intestine is reduced. Therefore, excessive fluid loss from the body that is common during diarrhea is prevented. By this action, there is a reduction in the incidence and duration of acute diarrhea in children. There is also a reduction in stool output.
Precautions and Warning – When to avoid it?
The following are the precautions to be followed while consuming Racecadotril-based drugs.
- It is not meant for infants below 3 months of age and children above 13 years of age.
- It is not meant for use when blood in stools are noticed.
- It cannot be used during bacterial infections along with antibiotics. If diarrhea in the child demands an antibiotic, the medication must be avoided.
- Caution should be ensured when Racecadotril is used in hypersensitive children.
- It should be used when the child suffers from uncontrolled vomiting along with diarrhea.
- It should be used in children who have severe diarrhea. The effect would be less or nil.
- It is not recommended for children with any kind of renal impairments or diseases.
- The medication is not meant for children with liver diseases or disorders.
- It should be avoided by children who have a history of allergy to the compound or chemicals in the same family.
- It is not recommended for more than seven days even if the infection does not subside.
- It should be avoided by children who suffer from fever along with diarrhea.
- The medication should be kept out of reach of young children.
- It should be avoided if there are signs of puss in the stools.
Substitutes for Racecadotril:
The following drugs contain Racecadotril in equal composition and perform the same functions and hence can be used as a substitute.
- Enuff by Hetero Drugs Limited
- Racigyl by Mankind Pharma Ltd
- Zedott by Torrent Pharmaceuticals
- Racedot by Macleods Pharmaceuticals
- Zomatril by FDC Ltd
- Redotil by Dr. Reddys Laboratories
- Cadotril by Ordain Healthcare
- Ralop by Salud Care India Private Limited
- Race F by BestoChem Formulations
- Lee Dott by Leeford Healthcare Limited
- Racotil by Cipla
- Normet by Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Hydral Capsule by Alembic Limited
- Ad by Hetero Healthcare Ltd
Read More: Cardivas 3.125 Substitutes | Ceftas 200 Substitutes
Racecadotril Interactions with Other Drugs:
The effect of Racecadotril may change when combined with other drugs. In some cases, the effect of certain drugs may increase the risk of side effects. During prescription, existing illness and all kinds of medications consumed (regularly or otherwise) must be discussed with the doctor. This includes herbal medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products.
Racecadotril may interact with the following drugs and products:
- Amiodarone
- Amikacin
- Quinidine
- Procainamide
- Sotalol
- Medications prescribed for Seizures
- Tobramycin
FAQs:
Ans: No. It is not meant for people over 13 years of age.
Ans: No. Racecadotril is only a prescription drug and cannot be purchased over the counter.
Ans: No. It cannot be used to treat cholera or any kind of microbe-induced diarrhea.
Ans: Yes. In most cases, doctors prescribe Racecadotril on an empty stomach. Follow the doctor’s prescription for the duration.
Ans: Yes. This drug has fewer side effects when compared to loperamide. Racecadotril does not disrupt motility as much as loperamide. Therefore, with Racecadotril there are lesser chances of acquiring rebound constipation when compared to loperamide.
Ans: Racecadotril is not known to react with any food items. Stick to the diet plan advised by the doctor while consuming this medicine.
