Pancreatin

Indications

Pancreatin is used for: Pancreatic insufficiency

Adult Dose

Oral Pancreatic insufficiency Adult: PO 1-3 tablets daily with meal.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Acute pancreatitis or acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatic disease.

Precautions

Avoid high doses in patients with cystic fibrosis. Maintain adequate hydration. Some products contain pork protein. Inactivated by heat; do not mix with hot food or liquids. May irritate oral mucosa; should not be held in mouth. Pregnancy and lactation.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk; effect on nursing infant not known

Interactions

May impair the oral absorption of folic acid when taken together; antagonises hypoglycaemic effect of acarbose.

Side Effects

Side effects of Pancreatin : GI effects e.g. abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Buccal and perianal irritation, particularly in infants. Colonic strictures may occur, mainly in children with cystic fibrosis receiving high doses of pancreatin preparations. Hyperuricaemia and hyperuricosuria may occur.

Mode of Action

Pancreatin are pancreatic enzymes which hydrolyse fats to glycerol and fatty acids, break down protein into peptides, proteoses and derived substances, and convert starch into dextrins and sugars.