Racecadotril Oral Granules

What is this medication for?

Racecadotril is used to treat acute diarrhoea in children older than 3 months. It reduces watery secretions produced by the intestines which helps reduce the amount of fluid that the body loses. Hence, this decreases stool output and frequency.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Your child may take this medication with or without food.
• The granules can be mixed with a small amount of food, water or in a feeding bottle, and given immediately.
• Ensure your child continues to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• Your child is allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• Your child has kidney or liver disease.
• Your child is taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. This is especially if your child is on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors such as captopril or enalapril (medications to treat blood pressure) as it may increase the risk of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips and tongue).

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

This medication is generally well tolerated. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
 
For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here
 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

Very rarely, this medication may cause serious skin reactions e.g. widespread rash with peeling of the skin, or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes, accompanied with fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

What else should I look out for ?

Signs to look out for in your child that may require further medical attention in a child with acute diarrhoea include: 

• Bloody stools or stools with pus
  Prolonged diarrhoea more than 7 days
• Persistent vomiting
• Fever of 38.5°C or higher, especially if it is persistent
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Crying without tears
• Urinating less frequently or having dark-coloured urine
• Sunken eyes or cheeks
• Sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head in infants
• Changes in behaviour or consciousness
• Lethargy or extreme drowsiness
• Irritability or fussiness that is unusual for the child