Pain and heaviness in the abdomen periodically occur in almost every person. Usually this happens after eating fatty foods, overeating, with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive system contains many enzymes that break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The ground substances then enter the small intestine. There they are absorbed and distributed throughout the circulatory system of the body. Sometimes the splitting process is disrupted, and the main elements of food reach the intestine unchanged. This leads to malabsorption, as well as dyspeptic disorders (diarrhea, stool retention). In some cases, the body’s own enzymes do not have time to fulfill their function in the required volume, which is expressed in the severity of the abdomen, pain in the epigastric region, right and left hypochondrium. Most often this is due to malnutrition. In such cases, the drug “Pancreatin” helps to relieve unpleasant sensations, the analogues of which are known to many.
The mechanism of action of the drug
In order to improve the digestion process, it is necessary to fill the lack of enzymes. The drug "Pancreatin" acts on this principle. It consists of a number of
enzymes of the pancreas of pigs and cattle, which in their composition are suitable for the human digestive tract. The main active ingredients of the drug:
- Lipase - for the breakdown of fats.
- Pancreatic amylase - grinds food carbohydrates.
- Proteases, among which there is chymotrypsin and trypsin - these enzymes act on food proteins.
If the doctor prescribed this drug, but it is not currently available, then you can easily replace the Pancreatin medication, analogues of which are available in any pharmacy. These include the following medicinal substances: Mezim, Pancreasim, Creon, Panzinorm, Festal, Gastenorm Forte, etc.
Indications for use
Enzyme preparations are used for impaired pancreatic secretion. The reasons can be different, most often these are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Indications are: pancreatitis of various etiologies, including alcohol, cystic fibrosis - a disease associated with impaired protein metabolism. In addition, when removing the gland, in order to compensate for the enzyme loss, the drug "Pancreatin" is used. Analogues of the drug are prescribed for the same violations. In addition, these drugs are effective in dyspeptic disorders, flatulence, diarrhea, cholecystitis, bile duct disease, insufficiency of the small intestine and stomach when removed.
Differences between analogues of the drug "Pancreatin"
All of the listed drugs have the same basis and the active substance is the pancreas enzymes of animals. Therefore, when buying these funds, patients often ask questions: "Pancreatin" or "Mezim", which is better? Why is there a difference in price and does it affect efficiency?
In fact, the differences in analogues are small: they consist in the dosage of the main enzymes, the presence or absence of bile and hemicellulose in the composition of the drug. For example, the Mezim-Forte medication contains 3,500 or 10,000 units of lipase, and does not have additional components. In turn, the Festal preparation also contains bile and hemicellulose. If you choose that it is better to buy the drug "Creon" or "Pancreatin", then pay attention to the degree of lack of enzymes, since the first has a high concentration of lipase, so it can be used in smaller quantities.
Contraindications to the use of the drug "Pancreatin" and its analogues
All
enzyme preparations, regardless of the concentration of the active substance, should not be taken by newborns and children under two years of age. This is due to the fact that they have not yet fully developed the functions of the digestive tract. Also, with hypersensitivity to pork and beef,
bowel obstruction and exacerbations of chronic diseases, the drug "Pancreatin" cannot be used. Analogs also have these contraindications. It should be remembered that medications are used only for chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis is a contraindication to the use of enzyme preparations, since they can cause an euthanized course of the disease and worsen its prognosis.
Side effects of the drug and its analogues
Medicines containing the pancreatin enzyme can cause local and general effects on the body. Common effects from the use of drugs include: hypersensitivity reactions, positive symptoms of peritoneal irritation, as well as impaired absorption of folic acid. If you use the drug "Pancreatin" or "Mezim", then local side effects can be observed, that is, disturbances in the digestive system. These include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, discomfort in the epigastric region. In the treatment of cystic fibrosis, intestinal obstruction may occur.
Interaction with other medicines
With the simultaneous use of antacids (reduce the acidity of the stomach), the effect of the drug "Pancreatin" and its analogues is weakening. If the patient uses iron or folic acid preparations, then enzyme medicines will help slow down or disrupt their absorption in the intestine.
Medicinal substances should be used after consultation with your doctor. Medication “Pancreatin” can be used for minor digestive disorders (severity after a fatty meal), analogues “Creon” and “Mezim” are prescribed for more severe processes (chronic diseases, removal of the pancreas).