Pancrelipase
Feb 16, 2025
Pancrelipase
What is it?
Pancrelipase is a digestive enzyme supplement which contains proteases, lipase, and amylase.
What is it used for?
It is used in patients with any kind of pancreatic insufficiency such as chronic pancreatitis, postsurgical pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, or Crohn's disease.
How does it work in the body?
The basic environment of the duodenum activates pancrelipase and allows for digestion. Lipase, protease, and amylase work to break down fats, protein, and sugars.
Evidence:
Pancrelipase is FDA approved. It has been studied for efficiency in clinical trials and verified as a safe and effective options for those with pancreatic insufficiency. One study conducted in 2021 showed significant improvement of stool frequency or other symptoms associated with malabsorption after 1 week of receiving pancrelipase. Another study con-ducted in 2000 focused on patients with cystic fibrosis, they found that enteric-coated, delayed-release pancrelipase were successful in decreasing the amount of fat found in stool.
Safety concerns/side effects/precautions:
Most common side effects of pancrelipase are GI upset such as changes in bowel movements, vomiting, altered blood glucose levels, feelings of dizziness, or sore throat/cough.
High doses of pancrelipase could increase chances of fibrosing colonopathy.
Pancrelipase should not be chewed or crushed as it could irritate the inside of the mouth.
Interactions with medications:
There are known contraindications for pancrelipase.
Dosage:
Adults should start with 500 lipase units/kg of weight and buildup to a maxi-mum of 2500 lipase units per meal [113, 114]. For higher doses give <10,000 lipase units/kg of body weight per day or <4000 lipase units/g of fat ingested per day.
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