Description
Pancreatin Pharmacodynamics
Pancreatin is a powder from pancreatic glands of pigs. Pancreatic enzymes included in pancreatin have proteolytic, amylolytic and lipolytic effects and contribute to the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, improve the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), thus normalizing digestive processes.
Indications
– Lack of external pancreatic secretory function (chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and others);
– Chronic inflammatory-dystrophic diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder;
– conditions after resection or irradiation of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by disorders of digestion, flatulence, diarrhea (as part of combination therapy);
– to improve digestion in patients with normal gastrointestinal function in case of poor nutrition;
– preparation for radiological and ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity;
– GI disorders of a functional nature (acute intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and others).
Contraindications .
– Hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug;
– Acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis in the acute stage. Nevertheless, it is possible to use in the phase of subsiding exacerbation during dietary expansion, if there are signs of digestive disorders;
– hereditary galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome;
– Children under 3 years of age (for this dosage form).
Administration during pregnancy and lactation
The safety of using pancreatin during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been studied sufficiently. Use is possible in cases when the expected benefits to the mother exceed the potential risk to the fetus or infant.
Dosage and administration method
- Dosage of Pancreatin 10 000 is adjusted individually depending on the disease and severity of symptoms.
- If there are no other indications, adults should take 2-4 tablets of Pancreatin 10 000 with meal. The drug is taken orally without breaking or chewing the tablet (effectiveness of Pancreatin 10 000 may be decreased by chewing, and pancreatic enzymes may irritate the oral mucosa if released) and with plenty of fluid (e.g. a glass of water).
- The daily dose of pancreatic enzymes corresponding to 15000-20000 units of lipase/kg body weight should not be exceeded.
- The dose should be increased only under the supervision of a physician, being guided by the symptoms (e.g., reduction of steatorrhea and abdominal pain).
- The duration of treatment is determined by the physician and may vary from a few days (in case of digestive disorders due to errors in diet) to several months or even years (if permanent replacement therapy is necessary).
- In children, the dosage is determined by the doctor.
- Dose for children and adults with cystic fibrosis
- In patients with cystic fibrosis, the dose should be adjusted to the severity of the symptoms, the results of steatorrhea control and maintenance of adequate nutritional status (see section “Special indications”).
- The dose should not exceed 10000 IU of lipase/kg body weight per day.
- In children dosage regimen and duration of treatment is determined by physician according to severity of digestive disturbances and diet composition at the rate of 1000 IU of lipase/kg of child body weight at each meal for children under 4 years old and 500 IU of lipase/kg of child body weight at each meal for children aged 4 and older.
- If there is no improvement after treatment or if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, consult a physician.
- Use the drug only according to the indications, the route of administration and the doses given in the instructions.
