Hidrasec Children (Racecadotril)

Hidrasec Children is indicated for the symptomatic management of acute diarrhoea in pediatric patients.

• Reduces the volume of watery stools in children with acute gastroenteritis.
• Helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance by decreasing intestinal secretions.
• Can be used alongside oral rehydration solutions as part of standard care.
• May be considered when the cause of diarrhoea is presumed infectious or non‑specific.
• Provides a non‑opioid option for short‑term diarrhoea control.
• Suitable for children aged 6 months to 12 years, according to local prescribing guidelines.

• Racecadotril acts as an enkephalinase inhibitor. By blocking the enzyme that degrades endogenous enkephalins, it increases the concentration of these opioid‑like peptides in the intestinal mucosa. The elevated enkephalins bind to δ‑opioid receptors, which reduces cyclic AMP‑mediated chloride secretion and limits water loss into the gut lumen, thereby decreasing stool output without affecting intestinal motility. The effect is localized to the gut, minimizing systemic opioid activity.

Like all medicines, Hidrasec Children may be associated with adverse reactions. Most reported events are mild, transient, and resolve without medical intervention, but caregivers should remain vigilant.

Common

• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Transient headache
• Slight increase in serum potassium
• Temporary flatulence
• Mild dizziness or light‑headedness
• Mild taste alteration
• Mild constipation
• Transient mild fever

Serious

• Allergic skin rash or urticaria
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat)
• Persistent diarrhea despite therapy
• Elevated liver enzymes (rare)
• Severe dehydration requiring medical attention
• Renal impairment (very rare)
• Intestinal obstruction (extremely rare)

If any side effect persists beyond a few days or worsens, medical advice should be sought promptly.

Precautions for Hidrasec Children focus on patient selection, underlying conditions, and proper use of supportive therapy.

• Verify the child's age and weight before initiating therapy.
• Use only for acute, non‑chronic diarrhoea; avoid prolonged courses.
• Ensure adequate oral rehydration is administered alongside the drug.
• Consult a healthcare professional if the child has known hypersensitivity to racecadotril or related compounds.
• Exercise caution in children with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
• Do not combine with other antidiarrheal agents without medical guidance.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms.

Potential drug interactions with racecadotril are limited, but certain combinations may affect efficacy or safety.

Avoid

• Concomitant use with other enkephalinase inhibitors, as additive effects on intestinal secretion are not established.
• Simultaneous administration of strong opioid analgesics, which may mask gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Combination with other antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide, which may lead to excessive reduction of intestinal secretion.

Use with caution

• Anticholinergic agents, because combined reduction of gut motility could increase constipation risk.
• Diuretic therapy, as altered electrolyte balance may potentiate changes in serum potassium.
• Herbal preparations containing laxative components, which could counteract the antidiarrheal effect.
• Proton pump inhibitors, as changes in gastric pH could theoretically affect drug absorption, though clinical relevance is minimal.