Indications
Pancreatin is employed for the treatment of patients with
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cystic fibrosis/Mucoviscidosis
- Following partial or complete pancreatectomy
- Total gastrectomy
- Steatorrhea
- Somatostatinoma
- Celiac disease and
- Other conditions associated with pancreatic insufficiency
Pharmacology
Pancreatin is a preparation of Pancreatin, an extract from mammalian pancreas containing enzymes with Amylase, Protease and Lipase activity. It is designed to disintegrate in the alkaline medium of the duodenum where it releases the active enzyme components of Pancreatin (Amylase, Protease and Lipase). Amylase hydrolyzes dietary starch to yield maltose, maltoriose and a-dextrin. Protease cleaves peptide bonds in the center of proteins and polypeptides and forms amino acids and oligopeptides. Lipase hydrolyzes dietary triglycerides forming two molecules of fatty acid and a molecule of beta-monoglyceride. It converts not less than 25 times its weight of starch into soluble carbohydrates and not less than 25 times its weight of casein into proteoses within 5 mins, (equivalent to 150 times in 30 mins).
Dosage And Administration
2-3 tablets to be swallowed whole with little water immediately after or during meal. Or as directed by the physician.
Interaction
Alkaline media will rupture the enteric coating. As such to prevent bursting out of the content in the stomach Pancreatin should not be used concurrently with antacid.
Contraindications
Pancreatin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side Effects
The most frequent side effects are gastrointestinal including nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Buccal and perianal soreness may occur, particularly in infants. Hypersensitivity reactions manifested by sneezing, lacrimation or skin rashes have been reported.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Pancreatin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Pancreatin is administered to a nursing mother.
Precautions And Warnings
Patients known to be allergic to animal protein should be treated with caution.
Overdose Effects
Excessive dosage may produce a laxative effect. Systemic toxicity does not occur. Very high dosage may cause hyperuricaemia and hyperuricosuria.
Therapeutic Class
Digestive Enzyme.
Storage Conditions
Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.