The Mezim preparation is known to almost everyone who has ever encountered the problem of digesting food. This tool is always ready to help with pain in the pancreas, flatulence and any other disorders in the digestive tract. Doctors often prescribe Mezim during pregnancy. This drug has very few contraindications, and due to the fact that the active components of the drug are not absorbed into the digestive tract, this drug has practically no side effects.
Release form
Mezim is available in bright pink tablets. Inside, they are white, the shape of the tablets is round, and the dimensions are quite small and convenient to use. The tablets are located on blisters and are packed in cardboard boxes. The minimum quantity in one package is 20 pieces, and the maximum is 80. Depending on the size of the pack, the price of the drug will fluctuate. In general, this is a publicly available and very popular product that is produced by the German pharmaceutical company Berlin Chemi.
The composition of the drug
This product is based on pig pancreas powder. Otherwise, it is called "pancreatin." In addition to the active substance, the drug also has additional components:
- Macrogol.
- Emulsion simethicone.
- Talc.
- Silicon dioxide.
- Magnesium stearate.
The active substance pancreatin performs three main functions:
- With the help of protease it breaks down proteins into amino acids.
- The lipase component of this substance accelerates the dissolution of fats.
- Thanks to myosin, the absorption of carbohydrates occurs.
The shell of the tablets is colored with food grade ruby dye E122. The drug has a neutral taste, and thanks to the shell it is quite convenient to use even for children.
How does it work
Once in the stomach, the tablet does not dissolve, as it is protected by a special composition from gastric juice. Its effect begins to appear only in the intestine, where, due to alkali, the tablet shell is revealed. As studies have shown, the drug takes effect no earlier than half an hour after the start of administration. Animal enzymes of porcine pancreatin break down proteins, starch and fatty acids and thus normalize the digestion process.
Indications for use
This tool is indicated in the following cases:
- If it is impossible to fully digest food. For example, there are not enough natural enzymes to process certain types of vegetables and fatty foods. In such cases, Mezim comes to the rescue with its additional pancreatitis substances.
- If there is a violation of the gastrointestinal tract, that is, pathology of the hepatobiliary system.
- Inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes associated with certain diseases.
This drug is especially indicated for chronic pancreatitis, because of which difficulties arise in the digestion and assimilation of food. Also, Mezim Forte helps to cope with an irritated stomach during pregnancy.
To whom it is contraindicated
Usually this remedy is very well tolerated. The exception is patients with individual intolerance to pork or any of the components of the drug. This tool is not used for a sharp exacerbation of diseases. With prolonged use of Mezima, iron deficiency occurs. Therefore, the doctor often prescribes an additional intake of this trace element. Women are often interested in whether Mezim can be given during pregnancy in the first trimester. Doctors do not recommend the use of this drug for such a period.
Among the side effects, there is a sharp increase in uric acid, as well as allergies. Due to the fact that lactose is part of this product, patients who are contraindicated in the use of sugar should consult their doctor. Young children may experience constipation due to Mezim.
Drug dosage
The course of treatment with this tool can vary from 6 days to several years. Everything will depend on the specific type of disease and its nature. Mezima tablets are coated with a smooth shell, so that they freely and gently penetrate the stomach. They do not need to chew or grind. Usually take up to 5 Mezima tablets per day. One of them is drunk before meals, another can be consumed with meals. Instead of water, you can use juice or compote.
When treating children under the age of 2 years, the norm of the active substance should not exceed 50,000 units, while an adult can take 400,000 units per day.
After the Mezima tablet is taken, lie down for some time. This will ensure that the drug enters directly into the stomach. It is extremely important not to divide the tablet in half, but to take it whole. A damaged shell can lead to the fact that the patient will have wounds in the oral cavity. In cases where grinding of the drug is required, it must be mixed with honey, and the tablet itself is brought to a powdery consistency.
Analogs and substitutes
This drug has a number of analogues. It can be replaced with the following drugs containing pancreatin:
- "Panangin" is presented in the form of tablets, coated with a smooth shell. Thanks to the shell, the active components of the drug are protected from the action of gastric juice. This remedy is indicated for various diseases of the digestive system. It is used in preparation for an x-ray or ultrasound. Take "Panangin", as well as "Mezim" during pregnancy, after surgery, as well as with an upset stomach as a result of a diet.
- Capsules "Creon" incorporate the active substance pancreatin, which is extracted from the pancreas of pigs. And also in this tool there are additional components: gelatin, titanium dioxide, dimethicone and macrogol. It comes in the form of hard gelatin capsules of small size and brown color. The drug is indicated for inflammation of the pancreas in a chronic form, a violation of the secretory activity of the endocrine gland and other similar diseases. It can be used for children and pregnant women.
- Capsules "Mikrasima" also include pancreatin, gelatin, talc, preservative copolymer, food coloring and so on. It is indicated for inflammation of the pancreas, oncological diseases of the digestive tract and other similar ailments, in which there is a lack of enzymes for digesting food. It can be used, like Mezim, during pregnancy.
- The most popular remedy is Pancreatin. These are pink convex shaped tablets with white contents. It is often purchased on their own without the recommendation of a doctor. Pancreatin is used for indigestion caused by insufficient digestion of heavy foods. It can be used, like Mezim, during pregnancy and for children from 5 years old. In case of overdose, an allergic reaction occurs in the form of a rash on the skin, tearing and sneezing. In rare cases, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting appear.
The drug is stored for 3 years at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. After the expiration of the drug should be disposed of.
Why is it important to take Mezim
Any violation of digestion entails a number of problems. In addition to the fact that a person has unpleasant symptoms in the form of dull or acute pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, nausea and heartburn, he is impaired in the absorption of fats, proteins and vitamins. Due to the lack of its own enzymes, the pancreas is injured and an inflammatory process occurs over time. Poor performance of this organ leads to diseases such as diabetes. No wonder it is often used in endocrinology as a therapy for this disease.
Using this tool in small quantities, you can help your body and adjust some of the shortcomings of the daily menu. The low price of this tool allows you to use it for all segments of the population.
Mezim during pregnancy
Doctors do not have a clear answer to the question whether this drug is safe for the development of the child. Is Mezim possible during pregnancy? In favor of this tool is the fact that it is practically not absorbed into the blood, which means it does not affect the fetus. Therefore, this tool is often recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
Skeptics think otherwise. Since no full-scale research has yet been conducted on the effect of Mezim on pregnancy, it is premature to talk about its safety. Manufacturers on this score have their own reservation, which states: "Use of this drug is possible in cases where the intended beneficial effect on the health of the mother becomes higher than the possible risk to the child." Nevertheless, doctors do not recommend the use of Mezim during pregnancy in the early stages, when there is a high risk of harming the unborn baby.
Why pregnant women use Mezim
Due to the special eating habits that occur during pregnancy, a woman often suffers from various indigestion. In order not to spoil the pancreas and not obscure the joy of motherhood with a new disease, it is quite advisable to take Mezim. In early pregnancy, as already noted, this is not recommended. To avoid constant use of the drug, you should adhere to some rules:
- To be in the fresh air as often as possible.
- Eat only fresh food.
- Refuse fatty, smoked and fried.
- Do not test your health with allergen products: chocolate, seafood, strawberries and eggs.
- To avoid dysbiosis, regularly use dairy products.
Rice porridge cooked on water, a decoction of cereal or barley grain perfectly helps with indigestion. To normalize the function of the pancreas, use jelly cooked from blueberries or rose hips. A decoction of chamomile, yarrow or stigmas of corn is excellent. To prepare it, one tablespoon of raw materials per glass of boiling water is enough.
In the absence of pregnancy, you can try therapeutic fasting for two days.
The benefits of Mezima during pregnancy
Instructions for use of this tool indicate that the drug does not contain various flavors, toxic dyes and other similar additives. This product is made in compliance with all international rules, so it has been used for more than 25 years in most countries of the world. The shell of which the tablet consists does not affect the functioning of internal organs and does not harm them. An exception may be the reception of Mezima during pregnancy 1 trimester. Sometimes there are such cases that Mezim simply becomes necessary:
- It is used for elective ultrasound during pregnancy.
- It is indispensable for diarrhea, food poisoning or pancreatic pain.
If a woman has a violation of the secretory activity of the endocrine glands, then the reception of Mezima cannot be stopped. In other cases, the gynecologist decides whether or not Mezim can be used during pregnancy in each individual case.