Pancreatin is extracted from pigs and cows and contains lipase, amylase, and protease enzymes. It is used to treat digestive enzyme deficiencies caused by various conditions. Pancreatin is available in tablets, capsules, and powder and should be taken with food. Adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
Pancreatin is a substance most commonly extracted from the pancreas of pigs and cows and is used to treat conditions involving low levels of pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatin contains the vital digestive enzymes lipase, amylase, and protease. Pancreatin is often confused with pancrelipase, which, although similar in function, contains higher amounts of lipase enzymes than pancreatin. Enzyme therapy in the form of pancreatin is used to treat digestive enzyme deficiencies caused by cystic fibrosis, inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, surgical pancreatic removal, and other conditions that can cause a deficiency in pancreatic enzyme secretion.
Lipase enzymes catalyze the digestion of fats, including triglycerides and phospholipids, breaking them down into fatty acid and glycerol molecules. There are two types of amylase enzymes: alpha-amylases and beta-amylases. Alpha-amylases occur naturally in animals and are manufactured in the exocrine cells of the pancreas. Beta-amylases are found in yeast, bacteria, and plant seeds. The function of both types of amylases is to hydrolyze, or reduce starches and glycogen into simple sugars such as glucose.
Protease enzymes, such as pepsin, are responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of proteins into peptides and amino acids. Hydrolysis is the breakdown of chemical compounds in water. The enzymes contained in pancreatin act as catalysts, complementing those already present in the body. Catalytic enzymes increase the rate at which a reaction occurs.
Pancreatin is available as tablets, capsules, and powder. It is most often recommended to take with food. Patients should not start taking Pancreatics without first consulting a healthcare professional, nor should existing users switch brands without consulting their healthcare professional. Pancreatin supplements can be swallowed with plenty of water, but they should never be kept in the mouth longer than necessary because they can cause irritation. Pancreatin should not be taken with hot liquids, because heat prevents the enzymes from working properly.
There are some common adverse reactions to pancreatin, and they affect less than one in 10 people who take this substance. Side effects that may occur are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and mouth irritation. Less common reactions include rectal irritation, painful or difficult urination, swollen and painful joints, or increased urination. If a patient experiences these or other adverse reactions while taking pancreatin, it is important that they seek the advice of a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Patients can also experience allergic reactions to pancreatin, which range from mild to severe. Mild reactions involve hives and skin irritation. Serious reactions can include anaphylactic reactions, which involve difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue, lips, and throat. For severe reactions, emergency medical help should be sought immediately.
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