Pain and heaviness in the abdomen periodically occur in almost every person. This usually 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. Then the crushed substances enter the small intestine. There they are absorbed and distributed through the circulatory system of the body. Sometimes the process of splitting is disturbed, and the main elements of food reach the intestines 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 perform their function in the required volume, which is expressed in the heaviness 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 discomfort, the analogues of which are known to many.
Mechanism of drug action
To improve the processdigestion, it is necessary to make up for the lack of enzymes. The drug "Pancreatin" acts on this principle. It consists of a range of porcine and bovine pancreatic enzymes that are compositionally 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, including 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, Pancreazim, Creon, Panzinorm, Festal, Gastenorm forte, etc.
Indications for use
Enzyme preparations are used for impaired pancreatic secretion. The causes may be different, most often these are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Indications are: pancreatitis of various etiologies, including alcoholic, cystic fibrosis - a disease associated with protein metabolism disorders. In addition, when removing the gland, 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,diseases of the bile ducts, insufficiency of the small intestine and stomach when they are removed.
Differences between analogues of the drug "Pancreatin"
All of the listed medicines have the same base and active ingredient - animal pancreatic enzymes. Therefore, when buying these funds, patients often ask questions: "Pancreatin" or "Mezim", which is better? Why is there a price difference and does it affect performance?
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 preparation. For example, the drug "Mezim-forte" contains 3500 or 10000 IU of lipase, and does not have additional components. In turn, the preparation "Festal" also contains bile and hemicellulose. If you choose what is better to buy the medication "Creon" or "Pancreatin", then pay attention to the degree of lack of enzymes, since the first one 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, intestinal obstruction and exacerbations of chronic diseases, the drug should not be used."Pancreatin". Analogues 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, as they can cause a blurred course of the disease and worsen its prognosis.
Side effects of the drug and its analogues
Medicines containing pancreatin enzyme can cause local and general effects on the body. Common drug effects include: hypersensitivity reactions, positive symptoms of peritoneal irritation, and malabsorption of folic acid. If you use the drugs "Pancreatin" or "Mezim", then there may be local side effects, that is, disturbances in the digestive system. These include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, discomfort in the epigastric region. Intestinal obstruction may occur during treatment of cystic fibrosis.
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 weakens. If the patient takes iron or folic acid preparations, then enzyme medications will help slow down or disrupt their absorption in the intestine.
Medicinal substances should be used after consultation with your doctor. The drug "Pancreatin" can be used for minor digestive disorders (severity afterfatty foods), analogues of "Creon" and "Mezim" are prescribed for more severe processes (chronic diseases, removal of the pancreas).
