Pancreatin

Pancreatin is usually obtained from the pancreas of pigs or cows. The pancreas is an organ that produces certain chemicals such as amylase, lipase and protease, which are needed for digestion. Pancreatin is used as a medicine. Pancreatin is used to treat digestive problems that result from the pancreas being removed or not working properly. Cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis are two conditions that can lead to poor pancreatic function. Pancreatin is also used for flatulence or as a digestive aid.

How does pancreatin work?

Pancreatin contains amylase, lipase and protease - chemicals that help in the digestion of food. These chemicals are normally produced by the pancreas.

How effective is pancreatin?

Pancreatin is effective for problems associated with cystic fibrosis, an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis) or removal of the pancreas. Pancreatin is likely to be ineffective for digestive problems such as bloating in people who do not suffer from pancreatic problems.

Safety and side effects

Pancreatin is safe and harmless for people who suffer from pancreatic problems and cannot digest food properly. However, some pancreatin products that have been contaminated with salmonella have caused illness. For this reason, you should only use pancreatin from trusted sources. Pancreatin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation of the mouth and skin, and allergic reactions. High doses can cause problems such as high uric acid blood levels and intestinal damage.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of pancreatin during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid pancreatin.

Dosage

The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral

To aid digestion following removal of the pancreas or when the pancreas is not functioning properly: The initial dose of pancreatin is usually 8,000 to 24,000 USP units of lipase activity and is taken before or with each meal and snack. Lipase is one of the chemicals in pancreatin that aids digestion. To control fatty stools sometimes associated with pancreatic insufficiency, the dosage may be increased as needed or until nausea, vomiting or diarrhea occurs. These side effects of treatment indicate that the highest tolerable dosage has been reached.

Pancreatin is available in the form of gastric acid resistant tablets, powder and capsules containing powder or gastric acid resistant pellets. Each milligram of pancreatin contains at least 25 USP units of amylase activity, 2 USP units of lipase activity and 25 USP units of protease activity. Pancreatin that is more potent is labeled as a multiple of these three minimum activities (e.g., Pancreatin 4X).

References

1. Bergner A, Bergner RK. Pulmonary hypersensitivity associated with pancreatin powder exposure. Pediatrics 1975;55:814-7.
2. Wiessmann KJ, Baur X. Occupational lung disease following long-term inhalation of pancreatic extracts. Eur J Respir Dis 1985;66:13-20.