Therapy / Class: Antisecretory agents/ Thiorphan Derivative
Mechanism of Action:
It rapidly converted in the body to thiorphan, a potent enkephalinase inhibitor. Enkephalins are endogenous opioid peptides secreted by myenteric and sub mucosal neurons in the digestive tract. The enkephalins by activating the δ opioid receptor, inhibit the secretion of Cl– and fluids thus reducing the loss of fluids and electrolytes during diarrhoea. The antisecretory mechanisms are independent of effects on intestinal motility, differentiating this compound from μ-opiate receptor agonists like loperamide and diphenoxylate.
Indications:
- Acute Watery Diarrhoea
- Amoebic Dysentery
Dosage & Administration:
Children: 1.5 mg/kg three times daily, with a maximum daily dose of approximately 6 mg/kg
Infants (>3 months) weighing less than 9 kg: 10 mg three times a day.
Infants weighing between 9 kg and less than 13 kg: 20 mg three times a day.
Children weighing between 13 kg and 27 kg: 60 mg three times a day.
Continue treatment until two normal stools are recorded, but do not exceed a maximum treatment duration of 7 days.
HOW SUPPLIED:
ZUDOTRIL JR 30 DT is available as Dispersible Tablet in 10×10 Aluminum Strip
References:
- Singh N, Narayan S. Racecadotril : A Novel Antidiarrheal. Med J Armed Forces India. 2008 Oct;64(4):361-2.
- Gordon M, Akobeng A. Racecadotril for acute diarrhoea in children: systematic review and meta-analyses. Arch Dis Child. 2016 Mar;101(3):234-40.
- Eberlin, M., Chen, M., Mueck, T. et al. Racecadotril in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children: a systematic, comprehensive review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Pediatr 18, 124 (2018)
- Med J Armed Forces India. 2008 Oct; 64(4): 361–362
