Hidrasec Junior (Racecadotril)

Hidrasec Junior is indicated for the short‑term management of acute diarrhea in children.

• Relief of watery stools associated with viral gastroenteritis.
• Reduction of stool frequency and volume in mild to moderate diarrheal episodes.
• Support of rehydration therapy by decreasing intestinal fluid loss.
• Use as an adjunct to oral rehydration solutions during episodes of acute infectious diarrhea.

• Racecadotril is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to thiorphan, an inhibitor of the enzyme enkephalinase (neutral endopeptidase) in the intestinal mucosa. By preventing the breakdown of endogenous enkephalins, the drug enhances their local action on opioid receptors, which reduces the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, thereby limiting stool output without affecting intestinal motility.

Like most antidiarrheal agents, Hidrasec Junior may cause mild to moderate adverse reactions, while rare serious events have been reported.

Common

• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort.
• Transient headache.
• Mild abdominal cramps.
• Slight increase in constipation.

Serious

• Allergic skin reactions such as rash or urticaria.
• Severe abdominal pain indicating possible intestinal obstruction.
• Anaphylactic reaction (rare).
• Persistent vomiting or inability to tolerate oral fluids.

Before using Hidrasec Junior, certain precautions should be considered to ensure safe use in children.

• Not recommended for infants younger than 3 months of age.
• Use with caution in children with known hypersensitivity to racecadotril or thiorphan.
• Avoid in cases of severe dehydration until rehydration is achieved.
• Do not use as the sole therapy for chronic diarrheal conditions without medical supervision.
• Monitor for signs of worsening diarrhea or abdominal pain.
• Consult a healthcare professional if the child has a history of gastrointestinal surgery.

Hidrasec Junior can interact with other medicines, and certain combinations should be avoided or used carefully.

Avoid

• Concurrent use with other opioid receptor agonists that may increase central effects.
• Combination with potent enkephalinase inhibitors that could amplify pharmacologic action.

Use with caution

• Antacids that may alter gastric pH and affect drug absorption.
• Diuretic therapy, as changes in fluid balance could mask diarrhea severity.
• Other antidiarrheal agents, which may increase risk of constipation.