Racecadotril - oral

Racecadotril is used on its own or together with oral rehydrating solution (ORS) to treat diarrhoea.

This medicine slows down the movement of the gut contents and makes the stools firmer and less watery. It also helps to reduce the number of times you need to run to the toilet.

Take Racecadotril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Racecadotril is available as a capsule or as granules for oral suspension.

If you are taking granules for oral suspension, it should be taken directly in the mouth or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft foods such as applesauce, carrots, rice or ice cream. You may also dissolve this medicine in a spoonful of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk. Do not dissolve the granules in any other liquid.

You may stop taking Racecadotril until diarrhoea stops or 2 normal stools have been a recorded, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not give this medicine to a child with intolerance to some sugars (e.g. fructose intolerance, glucose malabsorption syndrome or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency).

Do not give this medicine to children below 3 years old unless instructed to do so by the doctor.

Racecadotril is not intended to treat diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.

Your body loses large amounts of fluids and salts when you have diarrhoea. You need to replace the fluids lost by drinking plenty of water than usual.

If your symptoms do not improve within 2 days of taking Racecadotril, stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.

Racecadotril may cause any of the following side effects: tonsillitis, rash, erythema and headache.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• swollen face, tongue or pharynx
• difficulty swallowing
• hives and breathing difficulty

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.