PANCREATIN

BRAND NAMES:
Hi-Vegi-Lip® [OTC]; Kutrase®; Ku-Zyme®; Pan-2400™ [OTC]; Pancreatin 4X [OTC]; Pancreatin 8X [OTC]; Veg-Pancreatin 4X [OTC]

AVAILABLE FORMS:
Capsule:
Kutrase®: Lipase 2400 units, protease 30,000 units, amylase 30,000 units
Ku-Zyme®: Lipase 1200 units, protease 15,000 units, amylase 15,000 units
Pan-2400™: Lipase 9816 units, protease 60,214 units, amylase 75,900 units [pancreatin 2400 mg]
Tablet:
Hi-Vegi-Lip®: Lipase 4800 units, amylase 60,000 units, protease 60,000 units [pancreatin 2400 mg; vegetable source]
Pancreatin 4X: Lipase 12,000 units, amylase 60,000 units, protease 60,000 units [pancreatin 2400 mg]
Pancreatin 8X: Lipase 22,500 units, amylase 180,000 units, protease 180,000 units [pancreatin 7200 mg]
Veg-Pancreatin 4X: Lipase 12,000 units, amylase 60,000 units, protease 60,000 units [pancreatin 2400 mg; vegetable source]

INDICATIONS:
Exocrine pancreatic secretion insufficiency; digestive aid in diseases related to deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, such as cystic fibrosis.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:
GI: nausea, diarrhea with high doses
Skin: perianal irritation
Other: allergic reactions

MECHANISM OF ACTION:
It is a mixture of several digestive enzymes produced by the exocrine cells of the pancreas. It is composed of amylase, lipase and protease. The supplement form of pancreatin may be derived from pork or beef sources. An enzyme supplement, not a replacement, which contains a combination of lipase, amylase and protease. Replaces endogenous pancreatic enzymes and enhances the digestion of proteins, starch and fat in the stomach and intestines.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Hypersensitivity to pork protein or any component of the formulation; acute pancreatitis or acute exacerbations of chronic pancreatic disease.

EFFECTS ON LAB TEST RESULT:
May increase uric acid levels.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Store at controlled room temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F); protect from humidity.
2. Should be taken with a meal or snack. Capsules may be opened and sprinkled on soft food.
3. Retention in the mouth before swallowing may cause mucosal irritation and stomatitis; do not crush or chew, swallow whole.
4. Use with caution in pregnant or beast feeding mothers.
5. Drug isn’t effective in GI disorders unrelated to pancreatic enzyme deficiency.
6. Warn patient not to inhale powder form or powder from capsules; it may irritate skin or mucous membranes.