In the article, we will consider the forms of release of Pancreatin and instructions for it. This is a medication that is used to normalize digestive processes.
The drug contains a pancreatic enzyme that breaks down food. The effect of the drug is aimed at the production of pancreatic juice.
Pancreatin release form and composition
This medication is in the form of gastro-resistant tablets, capsules and dragees.
In the composition of tablets, dragees and capsules, pancreatin with a minimum enzymatic lipolytic activity of 4.3 thousand units of Ph. Eur. The minimum enzyme activity of amylase is from 3.5 thousand units of Ph. Eur., Proteolytic activity - from 200 PIECES of Ph. Eur.
Additional components in the manufacture of all dosage forms of release of "Pancreatin" are:
- silicon dioxide colloidal;
- sodium chloride;
- microcrystalline cellulose;
- collidone;
- magnesium stearate;
- polyacrylate 30%;
- propylene glycol;
- talc;
- sodium carboxymethyl starch;
- titanium dioxide;
- starch;
- povidone 8000;
- dyes.
Pharmacological properties
What helps Pancreatin tablets from?
The medicinal product belongs to the pharmacological category “enzymes and antiferments” and is a multienzyme drug, the effect of which is aimed at filling the pancreatic enzyme deficiency in the body and facilitating the digestion of fatty, protein and carbohydrate foods. As a result, the latter are more rapidly and actively absorbed in the small intestine.
The drug "Pancreatin" is a drug that contains the following pancreatic enzymes: trypsin, protease, chymotrypsin, amylase, lipase.
These substances stimulate the natural secretion of their own enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, the small intestine and stomach), as well as the production of bile, normalize the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract, and improve the absorption of heavy, greasy or unusual foods.
Various forms of Pancreatin release (tablets, capsules and dragees) are coated with a special coating that prevents their dissolution until they enter the alkaline environment of the digestive organs. The shell prevents the active substance from splitting under the action of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juice of the stomach.
Maximum enzyme activity
The maximum activity of enzymes is observed approximately 30 minutes after taking the medicine. The effect of the drug is due to the combined properties of its individual components. For this reason, the detection of metabolites of a substance, as well as the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters, is a rather difficult task. Metabolic elements can only be tracked using special markers or laboratory tests.
The effectiveness of this medication is due to the form of release and the characteristics of the physical condition of the patient. So, with chronic pancreatitis in the exacerbation phase, the greatest effect is achieved when using tablet forms, in order to correct the exocrine insufficiency of the digestive functions of the pancreas, it is advisable to use microtable forms of the drug.
In what cases can I take Pancreatinum?
Indications for use
The instructions indicate in which cases this medication is prescribed and when it should be used. Indications for prescribing the drug "Pancreatin" are:
- The need for replacement therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with exocrine (exocrine) insufficiency of the digestive tract (in particular, the small and large intestines, stomach and liver), as well as the gall bladder. The medication is prescribed in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies of these organs and, in particular, diseases that are accompanied by their dystrophic disorders. A medicine is used for chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis), conditions that develop after surgical removal of a part of the stomach or part of the small intestine, removal of the pancreas, with obstruction of its ducts and bile ducts caused by radiation or the occurrence of benign or malignant neoplasms.
- Late pancreatitis, which develops after transplantation.
- Violation of the functioning of the digestive system, which is provoked by violations of the masticatory functions.
- Insufficiency of exocrine pancreatic functions in elderly patients.
- Disruption of the digestive tract, triggered by prolonged immobilization of the patient.
- Proceeding in chronic forms of pathology of the liver and biliary tract.
- A feeling of fullness of the stomach and an excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines (flatulence) as a result of overeating or eating unusual or fatty foods.
- Normalization of the digestion process in healthy people, which was triggered by pregnancy, irregular diet, overeating, a passive lifestyle.
- Dyspeptic disorders, diarrhea of ​​non-infectious nature of origin, gastrocardial syndrome.
- In preparing the patient for an ultrasound of the digestive system.
Contraindications
Like other medications, the drug "Pancreatin" has a number of contraindications for use. It should not be used in the following cases:
- in acute pancreatitis, with exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
- patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to medicines containing pancreatic enzymes;
- with bowel obstruction;
- with acute hepatitis.
Side effects
Acceptance of various forms of release of "Pancreatin" in rare cases can provoke the occurrence of certain adverse reactions. Most often they are allergic reactions, due to individual sensitivity to the components of the composition. Long-term use of high dosages of this medication can cause hyperuricosuria - a pathology that is characterized by the formation of calculi due to the accumulation of uric acid urates.
In patients with diagnosed cystic fibrosis, the use of high doses of this medication may be accompanied by the appearance of narrowing in the ileocecal region (the area formed by the cecum and appendix) and in the initial parts of the colon.
In addition, pathological conditions can occur from the digestive organs, which manifest themselves in the form of diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region, feelings of discomfort in the stomach, changes in the nature of the stool, and attacks of nausea. In extremely rare cases, bowel obstruction, constipation may occur.
In patients with cystic fibrosis from the urogenital tract, disorders may occur, manifested by an increase in uric acid excretion with urine. In order to prevent the processes formed by uric acid calculi in patients from this category, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of uric acid in the composition of urine.
Mode of application
We will understand the dosages. Pancreatin release forms are intended for oral administration. They should be taken with food, whole, not chopped, washed down with non-alkaline liquid. The daily dosage is divided into two to three doses. The optimal dosage of the drug is selected depending on the nature of the clinical situation, the severity of the insufficiency of the functions of the enzyme system and the age of the patient. If there are no other recommendations, the medication should be taken 1-2 tablets per meal. The same scheme is provided for overeating. In the remaining cases of digestive problems described above, the dosage of the drug is 2-4 tablets. If necessary, it can be increased. An increase in the dose, which is due to the need to reduce the severity of the symptoms of a disease, is carried out exclusively under the supervision of a medical specialist.
In this case, the daily volume of pancreatic enzyme should not be more than 15-20 thousand units of Ph. Eur./kg/day The duration of the therapeutic course is determined depending on how much the patient has a deficiency of enzymes.
Drug interaction
Against the background of long-term administration of Pancreatin, the absorption of folate and iron in the body may decrease, which further necessitates an additional intake of these substances into the body.
The simultaneous use of the drug with antacids, which contain calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, significantly reduces the effectiveness of its effects.
Now it’s clear why Pancreatin is needed and how to use it.
Special recommendations for the use of this medication
Natural pancreatin is the secret of the pancreas, which is involved in the breakdown of fatty, protein and carbohydrate-containing foods. When studying the properties of this substance, it was found that if carbohydrates and proteins can be broken down by the digestive system on their own, then fats without pancreatin are not broken down. For this reason, with diseases of the digestive tract, fatty foods are practically not absorbed.
Use in children
When using this medication in childhood, the reception must be agreed with the pediatrician, which will help to choose the right dosage of the drug and to develop the most effective treatment regimen for a particular disease, possibly even in combination, in combination with other medicines.
The drug should be taken only with meals. You can drink the product with juices, water, milk - any liquid, with the exception of alkaline drinks.
We reviewed the instructions, form of release and dose of Pancreatin.