Hidrasec (Racecadotril)

Hidrasec is indicated for the symptomatic relief of acute diarrhoea in patients where rapid control of stool output is desired.

• Short‑term treatment of acute infectious or non‑infectious diarrhoea in adults.
• Adjunct therapy for children with acute watery diarrhoea, when oral rehydration is possible.
• Management of diarrhoea associated with travel or dietary changes.
• Use in patients who require a non‑opioid antidiarrheal to avoid constipation.
• Supportive care in outpatient settings to reduce fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance.

• Racecadotril acts by inhibiting the enzyme intestinal enkephalinase, which normally degrades endogenous enkephalins. By preserving enkephalins, the drug enhances their activation of opioid receptors in the gut wall, leading to reduced secretion of water and electrolytes and a modest decrease in intestinal motility. This mechanism limits the volume of diarrhoeal stool without affecting absorption, providing antidiarrheal effect without the constipation associated with traditional opioid agents.

Like all medicines, Hidrasec may cause adverse reactions, although most are mild and transient.

Common

• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Transient abdominal cramps.
• Dry mouth.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea despite treatment.
• Marked hypotension or fainting.
• Signs of hepatic dysfunction (jaundice, dark urine, elevated liver enzymes).
• Unexplained rash or urticaria.

Before using Hidrasec, certain health considerations should be reviewed to ensure safe use.

• Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to racecadotril or any excipients.
• Use caution in individuals with severe hepatic impairment, as metabolism may be affected.
• Not recommended for infants younger than 6 months without medical supervision.
• Consider renal function; dose adjustment may be needed in severe renal failure.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use.
• Monitor for worsening diarrhoea or signs of dehydration; seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Hidrasec can interact with other medicines; awareness of potential interactions helps prevent reduced efficacy or increased risk.

Avoid

• Concomitant use with potent opioid analgesics, which may mask gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Combination with other antidiarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide) that could cause excessive reduction of gut motility.
• Combination with bismuth subsalicylate, which may reduce antidiarrheal effect.

Use with caution

• Anticholinergic drugs, as they may enhance constipation risk.
• Diuretics, because altered fluid balance could affect diarrhoea management.
• Medications metabolized by hepatic enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4 substrates), as racecadotril may influence their clearance.
• Oral rehydration solutions, ensuring they are administered appropriately alongside the drug.