Hidrasec

Hidrasec

racecadotril

Manufacturer:

Abbott

Distributor:

Abbott
Full Prescribing Info
Contents
Racecadotril.
Description
Capsule: Each capsule contains 100 mg of racecadotril.
Hard capsule, ivory colored capsules.
Excipients with known effect: Each capsule contains 41 mg lactose monohydrate.
Granules for Oral Suspension: Each sachet of Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Infants contains 10 mg of racecadotril.
White powder with characteristic apricot smell.
Each sachet of Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Children contains 30 mg of racecadotril.
Excipients with known effect: Each sachet Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Infants contains 0.966 g of sucrose.
Each sachet Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Children contains 2.9 g of sucrose.
Action
Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Other antidiarrheals. ATC code: A07XA04.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Racecadotril is a prodrug that needs to be hydrolysed to its active metabolite thiorphan, which is an inhibitor of enkephalinase, a cell membrane peptidase located in various tissues, notably the epithelium of the small intestine. This enzyme contributes both to the hydrolysis of exogenous peptides and to the breakdown of endogenous peptides such as enkephalins. Consequently, racecadotril protects endogenous enkephalins that are physiologically active at digestive tract level, prolonging their antisecretory effect.
Racecadotril is a pure intestinal antisecretory active substance. It decreases the intestinal hypersecretion of water and electrolytes induced by cholera toxins or inflammation, and does not have effects on basal secretory activity. Racecadotril exerts rapid antidiarrheal action, without modifying the duration of intestinal transit.
Racecadotril does not produce abdominal distension. During its clinical development, racecadotril produced secondary constipation at a rate comparable to placebo.
When administered via the oral route, its activity is exclusively peripheral, with no effects on the central nervous system.
Granules for Oral Suspension: In two clinical studies in children, racecadotril reduced by 40% and 46%, respectively, the stool weights in the first 48 hours. A significant reduction in the duration of the diarrhea and the need for rehydration was also observed.
An individual patient data meta-analysis (9 randomised clinical trials racecadotril versus placebo, in addition to oral rehydration solution) collected individual patient data from 1384 boys and girls suffering from acute diarrhea of miscellaneous severity and treated as in- or out-patients. The median age was 12 months (interquartile range: 6 to 39 months). A total of 714 patients were <1 year and 670 patients were ≥1 year old. Mean weight ranged from 7.4 kg to 12.2 kg across studies. The overall median diarrhea duration after inclusion was 2.81 days for placebo and 1.75 days for racecadotril.
The proportion of recovered patients was higher in racecadotril groups compared with placebo [Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.04; 95% CI: 1.85 to 2.32; p<0.001; Cox Proportional Hazards Regression]. Results were very similar for infants (<1 year) (HR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.71 to 2.36; p <0.001) and toddlers (>1 year) (HR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.83 to 2.57; p <0.001). For inpatient studies (n=637 patients), the ratio of mean stool output racecadotril/placebo was 0.59 (95% CI: 0.51 to 0.74); p <0.001). For outpatient studies (n=695 patients), the ratio of the mean number of diarrheic stools racecadotril/placebo was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.47 to 0.85; p <0.001).
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Following oral administration, racecadotril is rapidly absorbed. The initial time to plasma enkephalinase inhibition is 30 minutes.
The bioavailability of racecadotril is not modified by food, but peak activity is delayed by about one hour and a half.
Distribution: In plasma, after an oral dose of 14C-labeled racecadotril, measured exposure of radiocarbon was many orders of magnitude higher than in blood cells and 3-fold higher than in whole blood. Thus, the drug did not bind to blood cells to any significant extent. Radiocarbon distribution in other body tissues was moderate, as indicated by the mean apparent volume of distribution in plasma of 66.4 kg. Ninety percent of the active metabolite of racecadotril, thiorphan (= (RS)-N-(1-oxo-2-(mercaptomethyl)-3-phenylpropyl) glycine), is bound to plasma proteins, mainly to albumin.
The pharmacokinetic properties of racecadotril are not modified as a result of repeat dosing or administration to elderly persons.
The duration and extent of the effect of racecadotril are dose-dependent.
In children time to peak plasma enkephalinase inhibition is approximately 2 hours and corresponds to an inhibition of 90% with the dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
In adults time to peak plasma enkephalinase inhibition is approximately 2 hours and corresponds to 75% inhibition with the dose of 100 mg.
The duration of plasma enkephalinase inhibition is about 8 hours.
Metabolism: The biological half-life of racecadotril, measured as plasma enkephalinase inhibition, is 3 hours approximately.
Racecadotril is rapidly hydrolysed to thiorphan, the active metabolite, which is in turn transformed into inactive metabolites.
Repeated administration of racecadotril does not cause any accumulation in the body.
In vitro data indicate that racecadotril/thiorphan and the four major inactive metabolites do not inhibit the major CYP enzymes isoforms 3A4, 2D6, 2C9, 1A2 and 2C19 to an extent that would be clinically relevant.
In vitro data indicate that racecadotril/thiorphan and the four major inactive metabolites do not induce the CYP enzymes isoforms (3A family, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9/2C19, 1A family, 2E1) and UGTs conjugating enzymes to an extent that would be clinically relevant.
Racecadotril does not modify protein binding of active substances strongly bound to proteins, such as tolbutamide, warfarin, niflumic acid, digoxin or phenytoin.
In patients with liver failure [cirrhosis, grade B of the Child-Pugh classification], the kinetic profile of the active metabolite of racecadotril showed similar Tmax and T½ and lesser Cmax (-65%) and AUC (-29%) as compared to healthy subjects.
In patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance 11-39 ml/min), the kinetic profile of the active metabolite of racecadotril showed smaller Cmax (-49%) and greater AUC (+16%) and T½ as compared to healthy volunteers (creatinine clearance >70 ml/min).
In the pediatric population, pharmacokinetic results are similar to those of the adult population, reaching Cmax at 2 hours 30 min after administration. There is no accumulation after multiple doses administrated every 8 hours, for 7 days.
Excretion: Racecadotril is eliminated as active and inactive metabolites. Elimination is mainly via the renal route, and to a much lesser extent via the fecal route. The pulmonary route is not significant.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: Chronic exposure in monkeys at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day resulted in generalized infections and reduced antibody responses to vaccination but no infection/immune depression was observed at 120 mg/kg/day. The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown.
Racecadotril was not immunotoxic in mice when given for up to 1 month.
Four-week toxicity studies in monkeys and dogs, relevant for the duration of treatment in patients, do not point out any effect at doses up to 1250 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively.
Preclinical effects (e.g. severe, most likely aplastic anemia, increased diuresis, ketonuria, diarrhea) were observed only at exposures considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure.
The clinical relevance is unknown.
No mutagenic or clastogenic effect of racecadotril has been found in the standard in vitro and in vivo tests.
Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have not revealed any special effects of racecadotril.
A toxicity study in juvenile rats has not revealed any significant effects of racecadotril up to a dose of 160 mg/kg/day which is 35 times higher than the usual pediatric regimen (i.e. 4.5 mg/kg/day).
In animals, racecadotril reinforced the effects of butylhyoscine upon bowel transit and on the anticonvulsive effects of phenytoin.
Indications/Uses
If causal treatment of acute diarrhea is possible, racecadotril can be co-administered.
Capsule: Symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in adults.
Granules for Oral Suspension: Complementary symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea in infants (older than 3 months) and children together with oral rehydration (ORS).
Dosage/Direction for Use
Capsule: For oral use.
One capsule initially regardless of the time of day. Then, one capsule three times daily preferably before the main meals. Treatment should be continued until two normal stools are recorded. Treatment should not exceed 7 days. Long-term treatment with racecadotril is not recommended.
Special populations: Children: There are specific formulations intended for infants, children and adolescents.
Older people: Dosage adjustment is not necessary in older people.
Granules for Oral Suspension: Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Infants and Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Children are administered via the oral route, together with oral rehydration (see Precautions).
The recommended dose is determined according to body weight: 1.5 mg/kg per dose (corresponding to 1 to 2 sachets), three times daily at regular intervals.
In infant less than 9 kg: one 10 mg sachet 3 times daily.
In infant from 9 kg to < 13 kg: two 10 mg sachets 3 times daily.
In children from 13 kg to 27 kg: one 30 mg sachet 3 times daily.
In children of more than 27 kg: two 30 mg sachets 3 times daily.
Treatment should be continued until two normal stools are recorded. Treatment duration should not exceed 7 days.
Long-term treatment with racecadotril is not recommended.
There are no clinical trials in infants fewer than 3 months of age.
Special populations: There are no studies in infants or children with renal impairment or hepatic impairment (see Precautions).
The granules can be added to food or dispersed in a small amount of water (e.g. a teaspoon), mixed well and should be administered immediately.
Overdosage
Capsule: So far sporadic cases of overdose without adverse events have been reported. In adults, single doses above 2 g, which is equivalent to 20 times the therapeutic dose, have been administered and no harmful effects have been described.
Granules for Oral Suspension: So far sporadic cases of overdose without adverse events have been reported in infants and children; ingested doses were up to 7 times the correct dose.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Patients who have reported angioedema with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril) should not take racecadotril.
Granules for Oral Suspension: Due to the presence of sucrose, Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Infants/Children is contraindicated in patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
Warnings
Capsule: This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Occurrence of skin reactions has been reported with the use of the product. These are in most cases mild and do not require treatment but in some cases they can be severe, even life-threatening.
Association with racecadotril cannot be fully excluded. When experiencing severe skin reactions, the treatment has to be stopped immediately.
Hypersensitivity/Angioedema have been reported in patients with racecadotril. This may occur at any time during therapy. Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to racecadotril therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema.
Special Precautions
The administration of Racecadotril (Hidrasec) does not modify the usual rehydration regimens.
The presence of bloody or purulent stools and fever may indicate the presence of invasive bacteria as a reason for diarrhea or the presence of other severe disease, warranting causal (e.g. antibiotic)The administration of Racecadotril (Hidrasec) does not modify the usual rehydration regimens.
The presence of bloody or purulent stools and fever may indicate the presence of invasive bacteria as a reason for diarrhea or the presence of other severe disease, warranting causal (e.g. antibiotic) treatment or further investigation. Therefore, racecadotril should not be administered under these conditions. Racecadotril may be given concomitantly with antibiotics in case of acute diarrhea with a bacterial cause as a complementary treatment.
Use of racecadotril in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and chronic diarrhea is not recommended due to insufficient data.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Racecadotril has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Capsule: There are limited data in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. These patients should be treated with caution (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
There is a possible reduced availability in patients with prolonged vomiting.
Granules for Oral Suspension: Rehydration is highly important in the management of acute diarrhea in infants. The requirement for rehydration and route should be adapted to the age and weight of the patient and the stage and severity of the condition, specifically in case of serious or prolonged diarrhea with significant vomiting or a lack of appetite. Additionally, it is important that regular feeding (incl. breastfeeding) is not interrupted and that adequate fluid intake is monitored.
In patients with diabetes, it should be taken into account that each sachet contains: Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Infants: 0.966 g of sucrose; Racecadotril (Hidrasec) Children: 2.899 g of sucrose.
If the quantity of sucrose (source of glucose and fructose) present in the daily dose of Racecadotril (Hidrasec) exceeds 5 g a day, the latter should be taken into account in the daily sugar ration.
The product must not be administered to infants less than 3 months old, as there are no clinical trials in this population.
The product must not be administered to children with renal or liver impairment, whatever the degree of severity, due to a lack of information on these patient populations.
Because of possible reduced bioavailability, the product must not be administered in cases of prolonged or uncontrolled vomiting.
Occurrence of skin reactions has been reported with the use of the product. These are in most cases mild and do not require treatment but in some cases they can be severe, even life-threatening. Association with racecadotril cannot be fully excluded. When experiencing severe skin reactions, the treatment has to be stopped immediately.
Hypersensitivity/Angioedema have been reported in patients with racecadotril. This may occur at any time during therapy. Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to racecadotril therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema.
Use In Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: There are no adequate data from the use of racecadotril in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/fetal development, parturition or postnatal development. However, since no specific clinical studies are available, racecadotril should not be administered to pregnant women.
Lactation: Due to the lack of information on secretion of Racecadotril (Hidrasec) in human milk, the product should not be administered to breastfeeding women.
Adverse Reactions
The following adverse drug reactions listed below have occurred with racecadotril more often than with placebo or have been reported during post-marketing surveillance.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Serious skin reactions (including angioedema) have been reported in patients on racecadotril therapy. The incidence of these reactions is unknown but if they occur, racecadotril therapy must be discontinued and appropriate alternative therapy instituted. Patients should be aware not to take racecadotril again in these cases.
Capsule: Nervous system disorders: Common: headache.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Uncommon: rash, erythema.
Unknown: erythema multiforme, tongue edema, face edema, lip edema, eyelid edema, angioedema, urticaria, erythema nodosum, rash papular, prurigo, pruritus, toxic skin eruption.
Pediatric population: In infants or children treated with racecadotril the occurrence of tonsillitis has been reported as an uncommon adverse event. There are specific formulations for these age groups.
Granules for Oral Suspension: Infections and infestations: Uncommon: tonsillitis.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Uncommon: rash, erythema.
Unknown: erythema multiforme, tongue edema, face edema, lip edema, eyelid edema, angioedema, urticaria, erythema nodosum, rash papular, prurigo, pruritus.
Drug Interactions
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, fosinopril, perindopril, ramipril) are known to induce angioedema. This risk could be increased in presence of racecadotril.
In humans, the concomitant treatment with racecadotril and loperamide or nifuroxazide does not modify the kinetics of racecadotril.
Caution For Usage
Incompatibilities: Not applicable.
Storage
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Shelf life: Capsule:36 months.
Granules for Oral Suspension: 24 months.
MIMS Class
Antidiarrheals
ATC Classification
A07XA04 - racecadotril ; Belongs to the class of other antidiarrheals.
Presentation/Packing
Form
Hidrasec cap 100 mg
Packing/Price
20's (P1,135/pack)
Form
Hidrasec granules for oral susp 10 mg
Packing/Price
16 × 1's (P1,024/box)
Form
Hidrasec granules for oral susp 30 mg
Packing/Price
30 × 1's (P1,642.5/box)
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