Hidrasec Pro Děti (Racecadotril)

Hidrasec Pro Děti is indicated for the management of acute, non‑bloody diarrhea in children, helping to reduce stool frequency and volume while maintaining hydration.

• Symptomatic relief of watery stools in infants and toddlers.
• Support of oral rehydration therapy by decreasing intestinal fluid loss.
• Use in cases of viral gastroenteritis where bacterial infection is not confirmed.
• Adjunct treatment for travel‑related diarrhea in pediatric travelers.
• Suitable for short‑term use during the acute phase of diarrheal illness.

• Racecadotril is a peripheral enkephalinase inhibitor. After oral absorption it is converted to its active metabolite thiorphan, which blocks the enzyme enkephalinase (neutral endopeptidase). This inhibition raises the level of endogenous enkephalins in the intestinal mucosa, leading to activation of opioid receptors on enteric neurons. The resulting effect reduces hypersecretion of chloride and water into the intestinal lumen without affecting intestinal motility, thereby decreasing stool output.

Like many antidiarrheal agents, racecadotril may be associated with adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common

• Mild abdominal discomfort or cramping.
• Nausea or occasional vomiting.
• Transient headache.
• Slight increase in serum creatinine in rare cases.
• Skin rash or mild pruritus.

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.
• Severe abdominal pain indicative of intestinal obstruction.
• Persistent vomiting leading to dehydration.
• Hepatic dysfunction manifested by elevated transaminases.
• Nephrotoxicity in patients with pre‑existing kidney disease.

When prescribing Hidrasec Pro Děti, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to ensure safe use in pediatric patients.

• Verify that diarrhea is not caused by invasive bacterial infection before initiating therapy.
• Assess hydration status and continue oral rehydration solutions alongside the medication.
• Use with caution in children with known hypersensitivity to racecadotril or its excipients.
• Monitor renal and hepatic function in patients with pre‑existing organ impairment.
• Avoid prolonged use beyond the acute episode of diarrhea.
• Do not substitute the drug for necessary antibiotic therapy when bacterial infection is confirmed.
• Keep the product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Racecadotril may interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety profile.

Avoid

• Concomitant use with potent opioid agonists that act centrally, as they may mask symptoms and increase risk of respiratory depression.
• Co‑administration with drugs that strongly inhibit renal excretion, potentially raising thiorphan levels.

Use with caution

• Anticholinergic agents that can exacerbate constipation when combined.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in children with compromised renal function.
• Other antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide, due to additive effects on intestinal motility.
• Vaccines containing live attenuated viruses, although no direct interaction is documented, monitor clinical response.