Pancreatin (as well as its more expensive Mezim analogue) accepts many patients with digestive problems. For patients with pancreatitis, this drug is generally indicated on an ongoing basis, with each meal. Gastroenterologists often hear the question: "Can I drink Pancreatin with alcohol?" The answer to it will be different, depending on the amount drunk, the quality of the drink and the general health of the patient. In most cases, alcohol and Pancreatin are incompatible, but occasionally you can make some concessions, when and what, described in the article.
The composition and form of the drug
The main active ingredient of the drug is pancreatin. This is a natural enzyme that enters the stomach with juice and is produced independently. With some pathologies of the internal organs, it is not allocated enough, as a result of which there is a difficulty with the process of digesting food.
The substance pancreatin is made from laboratory-synthesized pig gland. The main role of this substance is the breakdown of the received nutrients and the improvement of their absorption in the intestine. It is not absorbed in the lumen of the stomach and intestines, like all other tablets, but acts directly upon contact with food that has begun to be digested.
The release form of the drug is a dragee of a pale pink color, 60 pieces in one pack. The cost of one package is about one hundred rubles. The drug has more expensive analogues: Festal and Mezim.
Indications for use of "Pancreatinum"
The use of "Pancreatin" promotes instant (the drug begins to act five minutes after administration) to improve digestion, provides normalization of this process in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
"Pancreatin" provides quick compensation for the lack of pancreatic enzymes, has lipolytic (facilitates the digestion and breakdown of fats from food) and proteolytic (ensures the absorption of proteins from food) properties. The drug does not block carbohydrates or other nutrients. Therefore, people with diabetes do not need to take it.
Direct indications for regular or single use of Pancreatin are the following diseases and conditions:
- gastocardial syndrome;
- preparation for x-ray examination and ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
- chronic pancreatitis;
- condition after resection of the stomach and intestines;
- the use of a large amount of excessively fatty foods, for which digestion is not enough gastric juice;
- pancreatectomy, dyspepsia, cystic fibrosis; flatulence, diarrhea of non-infectious genesis.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Instructions for use report the possibility of developing the following side effects:
- aggravation of symptoms of gastritis;
- diarrhea and bloating;
- allergic reactions (rare);
- rashes on the skin due to individual intolerance to the active substance.
Contraindications to taking is the period of pregnancy and lactation. If the drug is poorly tolerated, then you should refuse to take it and choose a different substitute for natural enzymes.
In acute pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, empyema of the gallbladder, liver failure and hepatitis of any etiology, the drug is prohibited. Optionally, before starting a regular appointment, consult a gastroenterologist. This is not at all such a harmless drug, as it is rooted in the minds of our compatriots. In some cases, it can aggravate the condition of the liver and gall bladder, provoke the passage of gallstones and cause internal bleeding and other serious extremely negative health effects.
Special instructions for admission
Against the background of taking, unforeseen reactions from various organs and systems are possible:
- an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood, in medicine this condition is called hypercricuria, it is dangerous for the kidneys and in some cases can provoke the development of chronic renal failure or metabolic problems;
- discomfort or pain in the abdomen, vomiting cramps and nausea;
- allergic reactions develop relatively rarely (skin manifestations in the form of a rash and itching).
With the development of such side effects, the advisability of a complete discontinuation of the drug is decided by the doctor, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient’s health and body.
The effect of alcohol on the human body
Now let us consider in more detail how exactly ethanol affects a person. To answer the question, is it possible to drink Pancreatin with alcohol, you should know the effect of both substances on the body.
Why is drunkenness and people get used to it so quickly, trying to reach again? The reason is ethyl alcohol. This substance causes paralysis of the nervous system, a person becomes cheerful and companionable, feels a slight euphoria. In an effort to enhance and prolong this sensation, he increases the dosage of your favorite drink. This contributes to even greater paralysis and death of nerve cells. A person loses coordination, cannot pass smoothly, does not realize his actions. Depending on the stage of alcoholism, these symptoms may vary.
What drink can be combined with "Pancreatinum"
It doesn’t matter what kind of drink a person chooses - beer or cocktails, cognac or vodka, gin or rum, or even noble wines so beloved by ladies - all these drinks contain ethyl alcohol. This means that the mechanism for achieving intoxication and the effect of the drink on the body are the same in all cases.
Of course, a lot depends on the dose taken of the drink. Alas, the correct culture of drinking has not developed in our society. As a result, narcologists note that among the adult population, about 72% of men with alcohol addiction. Among women, this number is 58%. Of course, most of them are at the initial stage of the disease, and over time it can either go away (the person completely refuses to drink alcohol) or worsen (the patient drinks more and goes to the next stage).
Pancreatin and Alcohol: Compatibility
Despite the fact that the drug is sold without a prescription, it is a serious medication and has many contraindications and side effects. Patients are often interested in: Can I have Pancreatin after alcohol? The answer in most cases is no, it is impossible.
Alcohol and Pancreatin, mixing (and as we recall, the substance pancreatin begins to act directly in contact with food and liquids) with each other, is extremely detrimental to the walls of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. But the pancreas is most affected. Ethyl alcohol in itself is extremely toxic to this organ. A mixture of "Pancreatin" and alcohol provokes inflammation of the cells of the pancreas. The effect gradually accumulates, and as a result, pancreatitis develops.
Possible consequences of combining
"Pancreatin" before alcohol can be taken in four to five hours. It makes no sense to drink it on an empty stomach, because we remember that the active substance begins to work only in contact with food. And "Pancreatin" after alcohol is forbidden to take because of the high load on the digestive tract. With several such mixes, there is a high risk of getting a diagnosis of pancreatitis. This is a chronic disease that will remain with the patient until the end of his life.
Minimum doses of Pancreatin and alcohol are acceptable. For example, half a tablet for a hearty dinner, if at the same time no more than a glass of wine is drunk. Or if the patient suffers from indigestion after going outdoors and abuse of barbecue from fatty meat, and at the same time one glass of beer was drunk.
Can I take Pancreatin and alcohol together if a larger dose of alcohol was drunk? No, this is categorically undesirable. Gastric lavage measures should be taken. If necessary, you can contact an ambulance (especially if, after alcohol abuse, the patient suffers from pain in the epigastric region).
Stages of alcoholism and the use of "Pancreatinum"
The stage of alcoholism also affects whether Pancreatin and alcohol can be used together:
- Many people have been at the initial stage for years. They look forward to the weekend to sip beer, wine or stronger drinks. They are waiting for Fridays to "come off" in the club with friends, drinking alcohol. The very fact of waiting for an evening of relaxation, which will certainly be associated with the intake of alcoholic beverages, is already the "first bell". Any narcologist will confirm that alcoholism is a very insidious disease. It develops slowly, most often for years. And society encourages this process, because "drinking on weekends" in our country is considered normal.
- In the second stage, the patient develops more than just a desire to sip alcohol and have fun. He begins to drink just to relax, sleep soundly, and not be annoyed by trifles. Thus, alcohol is built into the lifestyle and human metabolism is very strong. In parallel, health problems are developing. The first symptoms of problems with the liver, pancreas begin. The patient experiences persistent digestive problems. Here the question arises: "Can" Pancreatin "with alcohol?". The answer, of course, is no. A sick person should completely abandon drinking alcohol, normalize his diet, and over time, the digestive organs will work.
- The third stage is characterized by prolonged binges and loss of social ties. Ethyl alcohol has already become part of the metabolism. In a patient, chronic diseases acquire a life-threatening character. Cirrhosis of the liver, gastritis of various etiologies, and intestinal ulcers develop. People with alcoholism often die from internal bleeding, which is a consequence of bowel disease.
Alcoholic pancreatitis and related complications
Pancreatitis, from which people with chronic alcohol dependence are trying to be treated with Pancreatin, is a direct consequence of regular alcohol abuse.
If you stop drinking and bring your lifestyle closer to healthy, then pancreatitis will enter the stage of remission, which can last for years. The main condition is not to change your mind and not to abuse alcohol again. The question of whether it is possible to take Pancreatin and alcohol together should not even arise in the patient’s thoughts - this may cost him his life.
Treatments for alcoholic pancreatitis
The main way to alleviate the patient's condition is strict adherence to diet and a complete rejection of alcohol-containing drinks. Often you have to grind all the food on a grater, since the stomach is not able to digest even boiled vegetables, not to mention meat. Taking pills plays a secondary role in the treatment of pancreatitis. The main condition for recovery is a lifestyle change.
If you do not do the treatment on time, pancreatitis progresses to pancreatic necrosis. And this disease claimed many lives. Death from pancreatic necrosis is severe and is accompanied by severe pain.