Indications and dosage of Tiorfan

Racecadotril is a medicine indicated for the treatment of acute diarrhea in adults or children, as it works by inhibiting the excessive secretion of water and electrolytes by the intestine, which helps to reduce the frequency and duration of diarrhea.

This antidiarrheal can be found in the form of capsules or sachets to be diluted in water, administered orally, and is sold under the trade name Tiorfan.

It is important to follow the gastroenterologist’s instructions regarding doses and duration of treatment, and should not be used in cases of chronic or persistent diarrhea or diarrhea caused by serious bacterial or parasitic infections.

What is it for

Racecadotril (Tiorfan) is indicated for the treatment of acute diarrhea in adults or children, together with oral rehydration therapy or intravenous serum in a hospital environment.

If you have diarrhea and want an evaluation, make an appointment with the gastroenterologist in the nearest region:

How racecadotril works

Racecadotril works by inhibiting enkephalinases in the digestive tract, which are enzymes that break down enkephalins, which help regulate the absorption of fluids and electrolytes in the intestine.

In this way, by inhibiting enkephalinases, racecadotril allows enkephalins to exert their action, reducing the hypersecretion of water and electrolytes in the intestine, making feces more solid.

How to use

The dosage depends on the pharmaceutical form the person is using:

1. Racecadotrila sachet

Racecadotril in the form of a 10 mg or 30 mg sachet is found in the form of a granulated powder and must be used orally, after dissolving the granules in water and mixing well, or the granules can be mixed with a small amount of food in a spoon, and must be ingested immediately.

The recommended daily dose depends on the person’s weight, with 1.5 mg per kg of body weight being recommended, 3 times a day, that is, every 8 hours. In the case of children, the recommended doses are:

• Children aged 3 to 9 months (under 9 kg): 1 sachet of Tiorfan 10 mg, every 8 hours;
• Children aged 10 to 35 months (thinking 9 to 13 kg): 2 sachets of Tiorfan 10 mg, every 8 hours;
• Children aged 3 to 8 years (thinking 14 to 27 kg): 1 sachet of Tiorfan 30 mg, every 8 hours;
• Children aged 9 to 14 (over 27 kg): 2 sachets of Tiorfan 30 mg, every 8 hours.

Treatment should be carried out until diarrhea improves or for the period of time recommended by the doctor, but should not exceed 7 days of treatment.

2. Racecadotril 100 mg capsules

Racecadotril capsules are only indicated for adults, and the normally recommended dose is 1 capsule of 100 mg, 3 times a day. The capsule should be taken orally, like a glass of water, preferably before meals.

The use of racecadotril capsules should not exceed 7 days of treatment, and treatment should be maintained until 2 normal bowel movements occur.

In addition to using racecadotril, it is also important to take oral hydration salts to compensate for the loss of fluids and electrolytes caused by diarrhea, as well as to maintain an adequate diet. Know what to eat when you have diarrhea.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of racecadotril are headache, vomiting, constipation, blisters, or redness of the skin.

Additionally, although rare, racecadotril can cause serious allergic reactions, with symptoms such as swelling of the lips, mouth or tongue, or difficulty breathing. In these cases, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Who shouldn’t use

Racecadotril (Tiorfan) should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to any component of the formula, fructose intolerance, glucose/galactose malabsorption syndrome, isomaltase sucrase deficiency or severe liver disease.

Furthermore, Tiorfan 10 mg sachet should not be used by babies under 3 months of age, Tiorfan 30 mg sachet is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age, and Tiorfan 100 mg should not be used by children of any age.

Tiorfan should also not be used in cases of persistent chronic diarrhea, nor in cases of diarrhea caused by serious bacterial or parasitic infections.