Racecadotril (also called acetorphan) is a kind of antidiarrheal drug acting as a peripherally acting enkephalinase inhibitor. It has an antisecretory effect, reducing the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestine. Racecadotril is a protodrug, being broken down into the active ingredient, thiorphan. Thiorphan exerts its inhibitory effect on enkephalinase, reducing the amount of secreted water produced by the intestines. In this case, the body loses less fluid, and the symptoms of diarrhea can be alleviated.
