Pancreatin is a mixture of enzymes produced by the pancreas, essential for the correct digestion of macronutrients.
Among the most popular pancreatic enzymes we mention amylases for the digestion of carbohydrates, lipases for digestion of lipids, trypsin and chymotrypsin for protein digestion.
Under the influence of certain physiological stimuli, pancreatic enzymes are released into the initial part of the small intestine, called the duodenum, where digestion is completed and the absorption process begins.
From what has been said, it is evident that an absence or deficit of pancreatic enzymes compromises the digestive efficacy, causing a series of unpleasant intestinal disorders due to the failed absorption (steatorrhea, diarrhea, flatulence, etc.). In all these conditions the pancreatin proves to be a valuable aid to the patient.
The pills or capsules are coated with substances resistant to gastric acid, which are activated in the duodenum, just where pancreatin is needed to complete the digestive processes. This result is obtained thanks to acid-sensitive casings, which dissolve only at a 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 before or after, according to the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.
Pancreatin is administered in all those pathologies that lead to 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 appearance of diarrhea or constipation and stomach pain. In predisposed individuals (contraindicated to those who are allergic to pork products), pancreatin can cause the appearance of allergic reactions, with rashes, itching, dyspnea, chest tightness and swelling of the tongue, face or lips.
