Open AccessDrugs in Focus
Author(s) -
Pienar Corina,
Benninga Marc A.,
Broekaert Ilse J.,
Dolinsek Jernej,
Mas Emmanuel,
Miele Erasmo,
Orel Rok,
RibesKoninckx Carmen,
Thomassen RutAnne,
Thomson Mike,
Tzivinikos Christos,
Thapar Nikhil
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002574
Subject(s) - antidiarrhoeal , medicine , adverse effect , population , adjuvant , pharmacology , gastroenterology , biology , biochemistry , environmental health , castor oil
Acute diarrhoea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population. Racecadotril is an antisecretory drug recommended as an adjuvant antidiarrhoeal treatment. In the small bowel, the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibits the action of enkephalins, which prevent water and electrolyte hypersecretion. By inhibiting NEP, racecadotril allows enkephalins to exhibit their antisecretory effects. Consequently, racecadotril reduces the secretion of water and electrolytes in the small intestine, without having an effect on intestinal motility. No serious adverse events related to racecadotril have been reported. Racecadotril has proven its efficacy as an adjuvant antidiarrhoeal drug with a good safety profile. Its addition to oral rehydration solution (ORS) appears clinically beneficial and potentially leads to health care savings.