Pancreatin

Pancreatin is a mixture of enzymes produced by the pancreas, which are essential for proper digestion of macronutrients.

Among the best known pancreatic enzymes we remember amylases for the digestion of carbohydrates, lipases for the digestion of lipids, trypsin and chymotrypsin for the digestion of proteins.

Under the influence of certain physiological stimuli, pancreatic enzymes are released into the initial tract of the small intestine, called the duodenum, where digestion is completed and the absorption process begins.

For what has been said, it is evident that an absence or a deficit of pancreatic enzymes compromises digestive efficiency, causing a series of unpleasant intestinal disorders due to lack of absorption (steatorrhea, diarrhea, flatulence, etc.). In all these conditions, pancreatin proves to be a precious help for the patient.

The pills or capsules are coated with substances resistant to gastric acidity, which are activated in the duodenum, just where pancreatin is needed to complete the digestive processes. This result is obtained thanks to envelopes sensitive to acidity, which dissolve only at pH higher than 5.5. In order not to interfere with these mechanisms, it is important to swallow the pills without chewing them, in conjunction with meals or in the moments immediately preceding or following, according to the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.

Pancreatin is administered in all those pathologies that involve an insufficient pancreatic secretion, typical of pancreatectomy (total or partial surgical removal of the pancreas), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and other cases of functional insufficiency of the exocrine pancreas.

Pancreatin is a well tolerated drug; any side effects generally affect the digestive system, with the onset of diarrhea or constipation and stomach pain. In predisposed individuals (contraindicated to those allergic to pork products), pancreatin can cause allergic reactions, with skin rashes, itching, dyspnoea, chest tightness and swelling of the tongue, face or lips.