Hidrasec 30mg Sachet

Racecadotril is used to treat the symptoms of acute (sudden, short-term) diarrhoea. It is given together with plenty of fluids, ideally an oral rehydration solution, and the usual diet advice.

It works in the gut to reduce the amount of water and salts released into the bowel, so stools become less watery. It can be used when the cause of the diarrhoea cannot be treated directly, or alongside treatment for the cause.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Adult capsules are swallowed with a glass of water, preferably before main meals, though the first dose can be taken at any time of day.
• Keep drinking plenty of fluids. An oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the best way to replace lost water and salts.
• Continue until you pass two normal stools, but do not use it for more than 7 days.
• Children need a children's form of the medicine and the amount the doctor advises.
• If you miss a dose, just carry on with the next one. Do not take a double dose.

Side effects are usually mild. They include:

• headache
• rash or skin redness
• itching

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, or hives with difficulty breathing
• a widespread rash with high temperature and swollen glands
• skin peeling, blisters or mouth sores
• sudden breathlessness, light-headedness, fast heartbeat, sweating or feeling faint

Do not take it if you are allergic to racecadotril, or have ever had a severe rash, skin peeling, blisters or mouth sores after taking it.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have blood or pus in your stools, or a fever
• have long-lasting diarrhoea, or diarrhoea caused by antibiotics
• have kidney or liver problems, or diabetes
• have prolonged or uncontrolled vomiting
• cannot tolerate some sugars (some products contain lactose or sucrose)
• take ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril), ARBs, sacubitril, sitagliptin, vildagliptin, sirolimus or everolimus, as these raise the risk of swelling (angioedema)

No special storage conditions are needed. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Dehydration: diarrhoea can cause dehydration, especially in babies, children and older people. Keep giving fluids and see a doctor if diarrhoea is severe, bloody or does not get better.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Driving: it has little or no effect on driving.