An anti-secretory medicine for acute diarrhoea
Racecadotril
A medicine for acute diarrhoea that reduces fluid loss into the gut, used together with rehydration rather than instead of it.
What is Racecadotril?
Racecadotril is a medicine used to help treat sudden (acute) diarrhoea by cutting down the amount of fluid the gut releases, so less water is lost in the stools. Unlike some other antidiarrhoeals, it does not slow the gut down, which is why it is generally well tolerated. The most important point is that it is used alongside rehydration, such as oral rehydration salts and plenty of fluids, not as a replacement for them. It is taken for a short time until the diarrhoea settles. Rarely it can cause an allergic reaction with swelling, which needs urgent attention.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Racecadotril — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Racecadotril is a medicine used to help treat acute diarrhoea, the kind that comes on suddenly and usually settles within a few days. It works in the gut to reduce how much fluid is poured out into the bowel, which means less water and salt are lost in the stools. It is taken by mouth and is meant for short-term use until the diarrhoea improves. Importantly, it is used as an addition to rehydration, not instead of it, because keeping up fluids is the most important part of treating diarrhoea.
How it works
During diarrhoea, the lining of the gut releases extra fluid, which makes the stools watery and leads to dehydration. Racecadotril reduces this extra secretion of fluid into the gut, so less water and salt are lost, while still letting the gut move normally. Because it works on fluid secretion rather than slowing the gut down, it tends not to cause the constipation or sluggish gut that some other antidiarrhoeals can. It is taken alongside rehydration so the body can replace what has already been lost.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic and branded manufacturers.
A medicine used in the UK to help treat acute diarrhoea by reducing the amount of fluid lost into the gut, used alongside fluid replacement.
Practical use
How to take Racecadotril
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth as directed, alongside oral rehydration salts and plenty of fluids, not instead of them.
- Keep drinking to replace lost fluid, as rehydration is the most important part of treating diarrhoea.
- Use it only for the short time needed until the diarrhoea settles.
- Seek medical advice if diarrhoea continues, or if there is blood in the stools, a high fever, severe pain or signs of dehydration.
- Stop and seek urgent help if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Racecadotril
Advantages
- Reduces fluid loss in acute diarrhoea, helping it settle alongside rehydration.
- Generally well tolerated and, because it does not slow the gut, tends not to cause constipation.
- Taken by mouth for a short course rather than long-term.
Disadvantages
- Treats the symptom of diarrhoea and does not replace the need for rehydration.
- Only suitable for short-term use in sudden diarrhoea, not ongoing or long-standing diarrhoea.
- Rarely can cause an allergic reaction with swelling, which needs urgent attention.
Practical use
Good to know
The single most important thing to understand is that racecadotril does not replace rehydration: the mainstay of treating diarrhoea is replacing lost fluid and salt with oral rehydration salts and plenty of drinks, and racecadotril is added to help reduce ongoing losses. It is generally well tolerated and, because it does not slow the gut, it tends not to cause constipation. It is meant for short-term use; if diarrhoea carries on, or there is blood in the stools, a high fever, severe tummy pain or signs of dehydration, medical advice should be sought rather than simply continuing the medicine. A rare but important risk is an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips or throat (angioedema), which needs urgent medical help. Tell your prescriber about other medicines and any history of allergic swelling.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to racecadotril, including swelling (angioedema), should not take it.
- It is not a substitute for rehydration, which remains essential, particularly in young children and frail or older people.
- It is used with care, and on medical advice, in pregnancy and breastfeeding and in people with kidney or liver problems.
Monitoring
- Checking that the diarrhoea is settling and that fluids are being kept up.
- Watching for signs of dehydration, especially in children and older people.
- Reviewing whether ongoing or worsening symptoms need further assessment.
Side effects
- Headache in some people.
- Occasionally a skin rash or itching.
- Rarely, an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips or throat (angioedema), which needs urgent medical help.
Key interactions
- It may interact with certain blood-pressure medicines known as ACE inhibitors, which can also cause swelling, so tell your prescriber what you take.
- It is used alongside, not instead of, oral rehydration salts.
- There are few other well-established routine interactions, but always tell your team about all your medicines.
Available as: Granules or capsules taken by mouth.
Answers
Racecadotril: frequently asked questions
What is racecadotril used for?
It is used to help treat sudden (acute) diarrhoea by reducing how much fluid the gut releases, so less is lost in the stools.
Does it replace drinking fluids?
No. The most important part of treating diarrhoea is replacing lost fluid and salt with oral rehydration salts and plenty of drinks; racecadotril is used alongside this, not instead.
Will it make me constipated?
Because it works on fluid secretion rather than slowing the gut down, it tends not to cause the constipation that some other antidiarrhoeals can.
How long should I take it?
It is for short-term use until the diarrhoea settles; if it continues, or there is blood, fever or severe pain, seek medical advice.
When should I worry about a reaction?
Stop it and seek urgent help if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing, as this can be a serious allergic reaction.
The wider class
About Anti-secretory antidiarrhoeal
Racecadotril belongs to the anti-secretory antidiarrhoeal class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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