COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF PROBIOTICS WITH RACECADOTRIL IN TREATMENT OF ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of probiotics with racecadotril as an adjunct to oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial was conducted with 150 patients assigned to either a probiotic group (n=75) receiving Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or a racecadotril group (n=75) receiving racecadotril, both alongside standard ORT. The primary outcome was the time from the first dose to the clinical resolution of diarrhea. Secondary outcomes included stool frequency, time to full oral intake, hospital stay, recurrence, and adverse events.

Results: The median time to resolution of diarrhea was significantly shorter in the racecadotril group (36 hours) compared to the probiotics group (54 hours) (p < 0.001). The racecadotril group also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the total number of diarrheal episodes and a shorter time to tolerating full oral intake. Both treatments were well-tolerated, with a low and comparable incidence of adverse events. No significant differences were found in the duration of hospital stay or recurrence rates.

Conclusion: Racecadotril is significantly more effective than probiotics in reducing the duration and frequency of acute diarrheal episodes, with a comparable safety profile. It is a superior adjunct to ORT when the primary goal is rapid symptom control. Probiotics remain a suitable option for scenarios focusing on gut flora restoration.