Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract due to insufficient secretion of enzymes is one of the most common problems that occurs among adults and children. To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with this ailment, many drugs have been developed, the action of which is aimed at maintaining the pancreas. Among them, a medication called Pancreatin is not the last. This is a good enough solution to the problems associated with the digestion and assimilation of food. Why Pancreatinum, how to use it and what negative consequences can be from such therapy?
The composition and effect of the drug
This drug contains a pancreatic enzyme that breaks down foods. From what "Pancreatinum" is not difficult to guess by its name, however, its action is directed not only at the development of the so-called pancreatic juice. The composition of this medication contains protease and lipase, which have an activity of at least 8000 lipolytic Ph and stimulate the production of enzymes in the stomach, pancreas, liver and small intestine. As auxiliary components, the composition includes polyvinylpyrrolidol, colicoate, macrogol, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, aerosil, microcrystalline cellulose, carmosin and sodium chloride.
What is the role of this medicine and what is Pancreatin used for? As a rule, the drug is used to compensate for the lack of gastric juices, when too much fat is consumed in food and is difficult to absorb food. However, such problems can occur without any special dietary reasons, for example, during pregnancy and with a sedentary lifestyle.
Product Release Form
This medication is available in the form of tablets in an acid-resistant shell, which prevents the destruction of the enzymes that make up the drug on the way to the destination. This allows the drug to reach the small intestine. Active components act locally, affect only the digestive process and do not have the ability to be absorbed into the blood.
From what tablets "Pancreatin 8000", most adults know. And given the fact that this drug is sold over the counter, it is often drunk on its own. However, before taking it, you should consult with a therapist who will evaluate the full picture of the state of health and be able to give useful recommendations regarding the dose, and if necessary, replacing this agent.
This medicine is available in blisters, each of which has 10 tablets. They are packed in cardboard boxes. The number of blisters in a box depends on the manufacturer.
Indications for use
Among the indications for use in the instructions supplied by the manufacturers, the following conditions are indicated:
- diseases that are accompanied by a violation of the digestive process due to poor secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which are caused by chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis;
- the state of a one-time resection of the stomach and small intestine, which is associated with the rapid passage of food through the small intestine, as well as indigestion and the simultaneous use of heavy, greasy and unusual food;
- bloating of various origins;
- preparation for diagnostic studies of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dosages and recommended doses
A single dose of this drug should be established for each patient individually. Therefore, in order to start drinking pills, it is not enough to know what Pancreatin is from. In most cases, special laboratory tests are needed to show the level of enzymes produced in the duodenum.
However, if the doctor does not give specific instructions, then you can drink the drug according to the scheme recommended by the manufacturer:
- when using unusual and indigestible food for adults, the dose should consist of 2-4 tablets;
- adolescents aged 10-14 years are prescribed 2 tablets at a time at the time of eating;
- for children 6-9 years old, the recommended dose is 1-2 tablets;
- at an earlier age, the drug is replaced with a children's form with a similar composition.
As a rule, the duration of the course of treatment is selected individually and can last for several days or months, or for many years.
Cautions and negative effects of taking
Even if it’s good to know what Pancreatin is taken from, the proper safety precautions when using this medication cannot be neglected.
So, for example, the instructions for the drug indicate that the medicine should be used very carefully with suspected intestinal obstruction.
A special line is also noted that chewing a tablet can lead to damage to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Therefore, it should be swallowed whole with a sufficient amount of water. In no case should hot drinks be used for this purpose.
Regarding the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is said that this remedy should be used only as directed by a doctor who has the right to measure the risk and benefit of such therapy.
Among the side effects, the manufacturers of this drug note the following conditions:
- disorders of the immune system, manifested by allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing and tearing;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, namely constipation and nausea, and with cystic fibrosis and more complex consequences.
Based on these negative influences, before use it is necessary to consult with a specialist who can explain why Pancreatin will help and what it will do in each individual case. While self-administration can provoke more serious ailments.
Analogues of the drug "Pancreatin"
Knowing what “Pancreatin” helps with and what active ingredients it contains, it can easily be replaced with another medicine. Such analogues as Mezim, Panzinorm, Festal and Penzital can become good analogues. However, here it should be noted that a doctor’s consultation is required.