Can Hidrasec (Racecadotril) Be Mixed with Milk?
Yes, Hidrasec (racecadotril) can be mixed with milk or other liquids for administration, particularly in pediatric patients who cannot swallow capsules or tablets.
Administration Guidelines
Preparation Method
Racecadotril granules can be dissolved in water, milk, or other liquids to facilitate administration in young children, as the medication is commonly used in pediatric populations starting from 3 months of age 1, 2.
The standard pediatric dosing is 1.5 mg/kg orally every 8 hours, administered as an adjunct to oral rehydration solution 1.
Practical Considerations
Mix the granules immediately before administration to ensure proper dosing and palatability 3.
The medication should be given three times daily at 8-hour intervals to maintain therapeutic antisecretory effects throughout the day 1.
Racecadotril does not affect intestinal motility, which means mixing it with milk will not interfere with its mechanism of action as an enkephalinase inhibitor 3, 4.
Clinical Context
Why This Matters
Racecadotril has been extensively studied in children as young as 3 months to 35 months of age, demonstrating both efficacy and safety when used as adjunctive therapy with oral rehydration solution 1, 2.
The medication reduces 48-hour stool output by 46% compared to placebo and shortens diarrhea duration from 72 hours to 28 hours in pediatric patients 1.
Safety Profile
No serious adverse events related to racecadotril have been reported in pediatric populations, with only mild and transient side effects observed in approximately 5% of treated patients 1, 3.
The drug's peripheral action (does not cross the blood-brain barrier) eliminates concerns about central nervous system effects, making it safe for use in young children 4.
Important Caveats
Always administer racecadotril in combination with oral rehydration solution, never as monotherapy, as rehydration remains the cornerstone of acute diarrhea management 3, 2.
The medication is not available in North America (United States and Canada), limiting its practical utility in these regions 5.