$Unique_ID{BRK03267}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{pancreatin}
$Subject{Pancreatin Enseals Tablets Lilly Digestive enzymes pancreatin lipase
protease amylase pancreatic enzymes pigs cows digestion absorption fats starch
enzyme deficiencies pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis gastrointestinal bypass
surgery}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


pancreatin
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Pancreatin Enseals [*] (Lilly)
     Pancreatin Tablets [*] (Lilly)
     * Available over-the-counter (without a prescription)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Digestive enzymes

INGREDIENTS

     pancreatin, lipase, protease, and amylase

DOSAGE FORMS

     Pancreatin Tablets (pancreatin 325 mg; lipase 650 units; protease 8,125
units; amylase 8,125 units)
     Pancreatin Enseals (pancreatin 1000 mg; lipase 2000 units; protease
25,000 units; amylase 25,000 units)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     This medication is a combination of specific digestive (pancreatic)
enzymes obtained from pigs or cows.  These enzymes aid in the digestion and
absorption of fats and starch.  Pancreatin is used in the treatment of various
pancreatic enzyme deficiencies resulting from conditions such as pancreatitis,
cystic fibrosis, or gastrointestinal bypass surgery.

TREATMENT

     In order to obtain the maximum benefit from this medication, you should
take pancreatin just before or with meals or snacks.  The tablets can be
crushed and mixed with food.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps.  These side effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody urine, hives, joint pain, skin rash, or swelling of the feet or legs.

INTERACTIONS

     Pancreatin can decrease the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal
tract, which may lead to nutritional deficiency.  Your doctor may want to
prescribe iron supplements if this becomes a problem.  Cimetidine or antacids
are often prescribed concurrently with pancreatin in order to maximize its
effectiveness.  However, calcium- or magnesium-containing antacids should be
avoided--they decrease this medication's effectiveness.  You should discuss
these effects with your doctor.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to pancreatin, pancrelipase, or any other
digestive enzymes.
     * Patients who have allergies to pork or beef products may also be
allergic to pancreatin, since it is obtained from pigs and cows.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although pancreatin
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether pancreatin passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.