Hidrasec

Uses

What is Hidrasec® (racecadotril) used for?

Capsule: Symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in adults.

Granules for Oral Suspension: Complementary symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in infants (older than 3 months) and children together with oral rehydration (ORS).

If causal treatment of acute diarrhea is possible, racecadotril can be co-administered.

How should I take Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Hidrasec® should be given in conjunction with oral or parenteral rehydration therapy in patients where dehydration has occurred or is suspected.

Capsule: For oral use. Take preferably before the main meals.

Granules for Oral Suspension: Hidrasec® infants and children are administered via the oral route, together with oral rehydration.

The granules can be added to food or dispersed in a small amount of water (e.g., a tsp), mixed well and should be administered immediately.

How do I store Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Hidrasec® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Hidrasec® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Hidrasec® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Hidrasec® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Hidrasec® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Capsule: Hidrasec® contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take Hidrasec® capsule.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using Hidrasec® during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Hidrasec®.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Common side effect is headache (in adults).

Uncommon side effects are:

• Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)
• Skin rash

Unknown frequency side effects include:

• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips or eyelids
• Severe skin rash such as erythema multi
• Tender red lumps under the skin, usually on the calves (erythema nodosum)
• Skin reactions such as rash, hives (urticaria), redness or itching
• Severe swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat (angioedema)

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Hidrasec® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Hidrasec® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Hidrasec® (racecadotril)?

Hidrasec® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Hidrasec® (racecadotril).

What is the dose of Hidrasec® (racecadotril) for an adult?

Capsule: 

Adults:

• One cap initially, regardless of the time of day.
• Then, 1 cap 3 times daily.
• Treatment should be continued until 2 normal stools are recorded.
• Treatment should not exceed 7 days.
• Long-term treatment is not recommended.

Elderly:

• Dose adjustment is not necessary for the elderly.

Granules for Oral Suspension:

Recommended Dose: Determined according to body weight: 1.5 mg/kg/dose (corresponding to 1-2 sachets), 3 three times daily at regular intervals.

What is the dose of Hidrasec® (racecadotril) for a child?

Children >27 kg: 2 (30-mg) sachets,

Children 13-27 kg: 1 (30-mg) sachet.

Infants 9-13 kg: 2 (10-mg) sachet

Infants <9 kg: 1 (10-mg) sachet.

All doses be taken 3 times daily.

Treatment should be continued until 2 normal stools are recorded.

Treatment duration should not exceed 7 days.

Infants <3 months: There are no clinical trials in infants.

Long-term treatment with racecadotril is not recommended.

How is Hidrasec® (racecadotril) available?

Hidrasec® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Capsule

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Hidrasec®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.