Hidrasec (Racecadotril)

Hidrasec is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in adults and children when a rapid reduction of intestinal fluid loss is desired.

• Management of acute watery diarrhea caused by infections or dietary factors.
• Adjunct therapy to oral rehydration solutions to improve fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Short‑term relief of diarrhea symptoms in travelers' diarrhea.
• Use in clinical settings where rapid control of stool output is clinically beneficial.

• Racecadotril inhibits the enzyme enkephalinase, which normally degrades endogenous enkephalins in the intestinal mucosa. By preventing this breakdown, the drug increases the local concentration of enkephalins, which act on opioid receptors to reduce secretory activity of the enterocytes. The result is decreased intestinal hypersecretion and enhanced absorption of water and electrolytes, helping to normalize stool consistency without affecting intestinal motility.

Like all medicines, Hidrasec may cause unwanted effects, although many patients experience none.

Common

• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort, usually transient.
• Headache that resolves without intervention.
• Dizziness, especially when standing quickly.
• Increased gas or flatulence.
• Mild taste alteration or metallic aftertaste.
• Transient mild diarrhea worsening before improvement.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Persistent abdominal pain that does not improve with usual care.
• Signs of severe dehydration (e.g., rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness) despite taking the medication.
• Unexplained fever or chills indicating possible infection.

Before using Hidrasec, certain safety considerations should be reviewed to minimize risk.

• Assess for known hypersensitivity to racecadotril or any excipients before starting therapy.
• Use caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, as drug clearance may be altered.
• Monitor fluid and electrolyte status in children and elderly patients, who are more vulnerable to dehydration.
• Avoid use in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease without medical supervision.
• Do not combine with other antidiarrheal agents unless directed by a healthcare professional.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a physician, as safety data are limited.

Hidrasec may interact with other medicines; awareness of potential interactions helps ensure safe use.

Avoid

• Concomitant use with other enkephalinase inhibitors or potent opioid agents, which could amplify central effects.
• Simultaneous administration of high‑dose anticholinergic drugs that may worsen constipation.

Use with caution

• Co‑administration with diuretics; monitor electrolyte balance closely.
• Use together with other antidiarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide) only under medical advice.
• Caution when given with drugs that affect renal function, such as NSAIDs or certain antibiotics.
• Monitor patients on antihypertensive therapy for possible changes in blood pressure due to fluid shifts.