pancreatin at a glance
Medicine class
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
Main use
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
Source
Derived from pig pancreas
Administration
Take with food; do not crush or chew gastro-resistant granules
What is pancreatin used for?
Selected products are licensed to replace reduced pancreatic enzyme activity.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, including that associated with cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis.
Pancreatic steatorrhoea following removal of the pancreas.
Pancrex V Powder may also be used after gastrectomy as an aid to digestion.
How does pancreatin work?
Pancreatin supplies lipase, amylase and protease. In the intestine, these enzymes break down fats, starches and proteins into forms that can be absorbed. Gastro-resistant preparations protect the enzymes from stomach acid until they reach the small intestine.
pancreatin preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 125 mg, 340 mg
How to take pancreatin
Follow product-specific instructions, as capsules, granules and powder are handled differently.
Take with the food, feed or nutritional drink it is intended to digest.
Swallow capsules whole with a cool drink. If instructed to open a capsule, mix the granules with suitable acidic soft food or liquid and take immediately.
Do not crush, chew, keep in the mouth or store gastro-resistant granules after mixing; this can damage their coating and irritate the mouth.
Creon Micro granules should be given from a spoon, not added to a baby's bottle.
Pancrex V Powder can be taken orally or given through a suitable feeding tube under appropriate clinical guidance.
Maintain adequate hydration and protect preparations from excessive heat.
pancreatin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Abdominal bloating or distension
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, swelling or collapse
- Unusual or worsening abdominal symptoms that could indicate rare fibrosing colonopathy
- Widespread hives or a severe skin reaction
pancreatin in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. As these enzymes act locally in the gut and systemic absorption is not expected, developmental toxicity is not anticipated. Treatment and nutritional needs should be reviewed with the prescriber during pregnancy.
pancreatin while breastfeeding
Effects on a breastfed child are not anticipated because maternal systemic exposure is not expected. Selected product information permits use during breastfeeding when clinically needed, with treatment reviewed to maintain adequate nutrition.
pancreatin interactions
The selected product information reports that formal interaction studies have not been performed. Check other medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Acarbose
Digestive enzyme products may influence acarbose's action; simultaneous administration should be avoided.
Common questions about pancreatin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is pancreatin made from?
It is derived from pig pancreas and contains the digestive enzymes lipase, amylase and protease.
Why must pancreatin be taken with food?
The enzymes need to mix with food in the gut to break down fat, starch and protein.
Can capsules be opened?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.