Racetril 100 mg

Description

Indications

Racetril is recommended as an adjunct treatment to rehydration therapy for managing acute secretory diarrhea. It helps alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea, enhancing the effectiveness of rehydration treatments.

Note: Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Pharmacology

Racecadotril, the active ingredient in Racetril, is a prodrug that is converted into its active metabolite, thiorphan, within the body. Thiorphan is a potent inhibitor of enkephalinase, an enzyme found in various tissues, especially in the small intestine. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down both endogenous and exogenous peptides, including enkephalins. By inhibiting this enzyme, Racecadotril helps to preserve enkephalins, which in turn prolong their action at the enkephalinergic synapses in the small intestine.

This action results in a reduction in the excessive secretion of water and electrolytes, which are typical in diarrhea. Racecadotril works rapidly to control diarrhea without affecting the duration of intestinal transit or causing abdominal distension.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Take one capsule initially, regardless of the time of day.
• After the initial dose, take one capsule three times daily, preferably before meals, until diarrhea subsides.

Children (3 months to 18 years): Racecadotril is safe for use in children above 3 months of age. The recommended dosage is based on the child’s body weight:

• Body weight less than 9 kg: 10 mg, three times daily
• Body weight 9-13 kg: 20 mg, three times daily
• Body weight 13-27 kg: 30 mg, three times daily
• Body weight over 30 kg: 60 mg, three times daily

The maximum treatment duration is 7 days.

How to use the sachet:

1. Dissolve the powder from the sachet in 20 ml of pure water.
2. Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved.
3. Drink the entire suspension immediately after preparation.

Note: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for the appropriate dosage.

Interactions

No known interactions with other active substances have been reported in humans to date. When used in combination with Loperamide or Nifuroxazide, Racecadotril does not alter the pharmacokinetics (absorption and metabolism) of these drugs.

Contraindications

Racetril should not be used by individuals who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Side Effects

Some common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Rash
• Erythema (redness of the skin)

If you experience any other unusual symptoms, consult your doctor.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Due to the lack of sufficient clinical data, Racetril should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. Always discuss potential risks with your healthcare provider.

Precautions & Warnings

• Racetril should be used as part of an overall rehydration strategy. It does not replace the need for fluids in the treatment of diarrhea.
• The safety of Racetril in patients with renal or hepatic impairment is not fully established. Use with caution in such cases, and monitor closely.
• Always consult a healthcare professional before using this medication if you have any underlying health conditions.

Overdose Effects

No reports of overdose have been documented. In clinical trials, doses up to 2 g (20 times the typical therapeutic dose) were given to adults without any harmful effects observed.

Therapeutic Class
Anti-diarrhoeal

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.