Racecadotril: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Racecadotril is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in adults and infants/children (from about 3 months of age), used as an adjunct to oral rehydration therapy (ORT), which remains the essential primary treatment for fluid and electrolyte loss.

• Established use: Acute (non-bloody, non-persistent) diarrhea of presumed infectious or functional origin, in combination with appropriate oral or intravenous rehydration.
• Mechanism-based rationale: Racecadotril reduces intestinal hypersecretion of water and electrolytes without slowing gut motility, distinguishing it from opioid-derived antimotility antidiarrheals such as loperamide.
• Not established: Racecadotril is not indicated for chronic diarrhea, diarrhea due to invasive bacterial infection with systemic symptoms, or as a substitute for rehydration therapy.

Dosage of Racecadotril is individualized by age and body weight, and it is always used alongside adequate oral rehydration. See Dosage and Administration below for details.

Treatment with Racecadotril should generally continue only until diarrhea resolves (see Duration of Treatment), and it should not replace rehydration therapy.

Racecadotril is generally well tolerated. Because it does not slow intestinal motility, it is not typically associated with the constipation or abdominal distension seen with opioid-based antidiarrheals.

• Common: Mild skin reactions (rash), headache.
• Uncommon/Rare: Vomiting, constipation.
• Rare but serious: Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) and other hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria and, very rarely, severe skin reactions — seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Patients should stop Racecadotril and seek urgent medical care if signs of a severe allergic reaction develop.