Abstract

EFFICACY OF RACECADOTRIL COMPARED TO DIPHENOXYLATE IN ACUTE RADIATION ENTERITIS

Dr. Yashasvi Suvarna*, Dr. Janaki M. G. and Dr. M. C. Shivamurthy

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation enteritis is one of the most common and distressing complications of pelvic radiation. There are limited studies that have assessed the efficacy of antidiarrhoeals in radiation enteritis. This study was done to assess the efficacy of racecadotril versus diphenoxylate in acute radiation enteritis. Methods: This was a prospective open label randomized study.50 patients were recruited into the study with 25 patients in each group. They received either Tab. Racecadotril 100mg tid for 3 days or Tab. Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride 2.5 mg(+ atropine 0.025 mg) tid for 3 days as an add on to fluid supplementation. Results: The grade of radiation enteritis in both the groups were similar after 3 days of treatment with the drug (p=0.210).Only one patient in the racecadotril group required cessation of pelvic radiation due to hypokalemia. Conclusion: Racecadotril and diphenoxylate are both effective in treating radiation enteritis and are well tolerated. Further studies with racecadotril are warranted.

Keywords: racecadotril, diphenoxylate, radiation enteritis, diarrhea.