Index
It is a useful drug for the treatment of diarrhea especially in children, whose active ingredient is racecadotril.
Chemical formula
- C21H23NO4S.
Presentation
- 100 mg capsules and 10 and 30 mg granules.
Indications
Hidrasec is a treatment for acute diarrhea in adults, children, and infants over three months of age.
Mechanism of action
Racecadotril is known as a pro-drug. Once inside the body, it is broken down into the active ingredient thiorphan, which works by reducing the amount of fluid and salts secreted in the intestine.
This causes a reduction of water and electrolytes to the intestinal lumen.
Dose
In adults over 18 years of age, a 100 mg Hidrasec capsule should be administered initially and then continued with a dose of one 100 mg Hidrasec capsule, with each of the main meals.
In children 30 mg, it is used for children and adolescents who weigh 13 kg or more.
The usual dose for children weighing between 13 kg and 27 kg is a dose of 30 grams three times a day. For children weighing more than 27 kg, the dose is two sachets three times a day.
For children weighing less than 13 kg, the usual dose for children weighing less than 9 kg is 30 grams three times a day.
For children weighing between 9 kg and 13 kg, the dose is two sachets three times a day.
Hidrasec infant and toddler granules for suspension can be mixed with food, dispersed in a glass of water, or added to a baby bottle.
The granules should be mixed well and administered immediately after mixing.
Treatment with Hidrasec should be prolonged until two normal daily bowel movements are achieved.
In cases where diarrhea cannot be controlled after starting treatment, a doctor should be consulted.
Hidrasec should not be taken for more than seven days.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways.
The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Hidrasec.
Just because side effects can occur does not mean that all people taking this medicine will experience this or any side effect.
The side effects from the use of this drug are minimal and are similar to those obtained with the use of placebos.
Stop using Hidrasec and see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Severe swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat ( angioedema ).
- Redness of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels ( erythema ).
- Itch.
- Severe skin rash such as erythema multiforme.
- Tender red bumps under the skin, usually on the calves (erythema).
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation .
- Headache and dizziness in adults.
Warnings and Contraindications
Hidrasec should be used with the patient’s hydration in mind.
This is particularly important for frail and elderly people and children.
Hidrasec is contraindicated in:
- Babies under three months.
- Children with kidney or liver problems.
- People with diarrhea that contains mucus or blood, yellow or greenish stools, or who also have a fever.
- People with chronic diarrhea or diarrhea that started during or after a course of antibiotics.
- People with prolonged or uncontrolled vomiting, as the medicine may not be absorbed properly and therefore less effective in this situation.
- Pregnant or lactating women.
Hidrasec capsules contain lactose and should not be taken by people with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Hidrasec infant and child suspension granules contain sucrose and are not suitable for children with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency.
The sugar content must be taken into account in children with diabetes.
Interactions
This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.
However, as with all medicines, it is important that the doctor is informed of the medicines that are being administered, including those bought without a prescription and natural herbal medicines, before starting treatment with Hidrasec.
Similarly, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before taking any new medicine while taking Hidrasec, to ensure that the combination is safe.
