Hidrasec Infants And Children (Racecadotril)

Hidrasec Infants and Children is indicated for the symptomatic management of acute, non‑bloody diarrhea in pediatric patients, helping to limit excessive stool output and dehydration risk.

• Provides antidiarrheal effect by reducing intestinal secretions.
• Can be used in infants from a few months of age up to school‑age children.
• Intended for short‑term treatment of acute diarrheal episodes.
• May be combined with oral rehydration solutions as part of standard care.
• Suitable for use when a non‑opioid antidiarrheal is preferred.

• Racecadotril is an enkephalinase inhibitor that acts peripherally in the gastrointestinal tract. By blocking the enzyme responsible for degrading endogenous enkephalins, it increases the local concentration of these peptides. Elevated enkephalins bind to opioid receptors on enteric neurons, which reduces the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, thereby decreasing stool volume without affecting intestinal motility. The effect is confined to the gut, minimizing central opioid activity.

Like most medications, racecadotril may cause adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common

• Mild abdominal discomfort or cramping.
• Nausea, occasional vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Transient headache or dizziness.
• Slight increase in flatulence or gas.
• Temporary worsening of diarrhea in the first 24 hours.

Serious

• Allergic skin reactions such as rash, itching or urticaria.
• Severe hypersensitivity with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Persistent vomiting leading to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
• Unexplained fever, severe abdominal pain, or bloody stools.

When using Hidrasec Infants and Children, certain precautions should be considered to ensure safe and effective therapy.

• Verify that the diarrhea is acute, non‑bloody and not caused by a known infection requiring antibiotics.
• Use only in children for whom the product is intended; do not give to infants younger than the label age.
• Do not exceed the recommended short‑term course without medical advice.
• Monitor hydration status and continue oral rehydration therapy alongside the medication.
• Stop the product if an allergic reaction or severe side effect occurs and seek care.
• Ask a clinician before use in children with chronic GI disorders or severe malnutrition.

Racecadotril may interact with other medicines; awareness of potential interactions helps maintain safety.

Avoid

• Concomitant use with other opioid‑type antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide, which may increase the risk of constipation.
• Co‑administration with drugs that significantly alter gastrointestinal motility, as the combined effect on fluid balance is unpredictable.

Use with caution

• Antacids or medications that affect gastric pH, which could modify the absorption of oral racecadotril.
• Broad‑spectrum antibiotics, because underlying infection may be masked while diarrhea is suppressed.
• Any drug that may cause hypersensitivity reactions, to monitor for additive allergic risk.