ENKEPHAL 100
Capsule
Dose Type
Information
The active ingredient of ENKEPHAL is Racecadotril, other type’s Antidiarrheal, which is a pro-drug that needs to be hydrolyzed to its active metabolite Thiorphan.
Therapeutic Class
Anti-Diarrheal
Dose and Direction of Use
Always take this medication as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Swallow one capsule three times daily with a glass of water as a usual dose. Preferably, it should be taken before the main meal. This medication should be continued until two normal stools are produced, not exceeding 7 days.
Mode of Action
Racecadotril is a pro-drug that needs to be hydrolyzed to its active metabolite Thiorphan, which is an inhibitor of Enkephalinase, a cell membrane peptidase enzyme located in various tissues, notably the epithelium of the small intestine. This enzyme contributes both to the digestion of Exogenous Peptides and to the breakdown of Endogenous Peptides such as Enkephalins.
Racecadotril protects Enkephalins from enzymatic degradation thereby prolonging their action at Enkephalinergic synapses in the small intestine and reducing hyper secretion. Racecadotril is a pure intestinal anti-secretory active substance. It decreases the intestinal hyper secretion of water and electrolytes induced by the cholera toxin or inflammation, and does not have effects on basal secretory activity. Racecadotril exerts rapid anti-diarrheal 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.
Uses
Indicated for the treatment of symptoms of Acute Diarrhea in adults, when Diarrhea cannot be treated causally. Racecadotril can be administered as a complementary treatment when causal treatment is possible.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Precautions and Warning
- To compensate loss of liquid due to diarrhoea, this medication should be taken along with electrolyte / oral rehydration salts.
- Don't double up the dose for the missed one. Take the next dose at usual time.
- Consult with your doctor if you have any kidney problem, blood or pus in stool or suffering from prolonged or uncontrolled vomiting.
- Talk to your doctor if you have intolerance to lactose as this medication has lacotse as one of the ingredient.
