Racecadotril increases the availability of endogenous opioids (enkephalins) by inhibiting the membrane-bound enkephalinase. The enkephalins in turn mediate their effect through δ receptor ( delta opioid receptor) activation that induces a selective increase in Cl absorption by inhibiting adenylate cyclase.
Onset: 30 min (plasma enkephalinase inhibition).
No drug interactions found. Joint treatment with Racecadotril and Loperamide or Nifuroxazide does not modify the kinetics of Racecadotril.
Hypersensitivity to Racecadotril, or to any of the excipients.
Headache, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema may be seen.
Due to a lack of clinical data, Racecadotril should not be administered to pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The administration of Racecadotril does not modify the usual rehydration regimens. The presence of bloody stools and fever may indicate the presence of invasive bacteria as a reason for diarrhea or the presence of other severe disease. Racecadotril has not been tested in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and should therefore not be administered under these conditions. Caution should be taken in patients with renal or liver impairment.
No cases of overdose have been reported. In adults, single doses above 2 g which is equivalent to 20 times the therapeutic dose, have been administered, and no harmful effects have been described.
