In modern society, almost all of us have at least once encountered digestive problems, especially during the holidays. An excess of fatty, fried and spicy foods, which the stomach inevitably encounters during long feasts, leads to a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
To maintain the digestive process in pharmacology, there are medications containing special enzymes. Their range is quite wide; in any pharmacy you can find a large selection of drugs, varying in both price and country of origin. The most purchased drugs in this line are traditionally “Pancreatin” and “Mezim”.
Is there a difference between these drugs and how significant is it? Which is more effective and can we say that one medicine is better than another? Below we will try to understand this issue.
How they affect the body
Due to pancreatin (the active substance), both drugs are able to quickly restore digestion and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. The drugs are suitable for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for restoring intestinal function after overeating, poisoning, diet and other changes in the usual routine.
The active substance of the medicine helps the pancreas break down fats, proteins and sugar. As a result, nutrients are absorbed faster and digestion is accelerated. The maximum effect of the drugs is observed half an hour after administration.
Both types of tablets have a protective coating that protects against aggressive gastric juice. Due to this, the active substances enter directly into the intestines.
Pancreatin
The main active ingredient in this drug is pancreatin, an extract from the pancreas of livestock. It is prescribed to patients in the following cases:
- Impaired pancreatic function, including diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, Roemheld syndrome, etc.;
- Problems with the absorption of food, including after a resection, as well as when eating excessively heavy or exotic foods;
- Intestinal infections;
- Diseases of the liver, gall bladder and biliary tract, including those of a chronic nature;
- Preparation of the gastrointestinal tract for clinical studies.
The drug contains enzymes such as lipase, protease and amylase, which are necessary for the body for the normal process of digestion and absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Sometimes the word “Forte” appears in the name of the drug; such tablets are coated with an enteric coating that is resistant to the action of gastric juice. The fact is that pancreatin, upon contact with the acidic environment of the stomach, loses all its beneficial properties and becomes completely useless.
There are a number of contraindications to taking Pancreatin. For example, it should absolutely not be used by young children under two years of age, those with acute pancreatitis and those in the acute stage of the chronic form. The drug is not recommended for pregnant women, since the safety of the drug for the unborn child has not been proven. However, in some cases, the attending physician may include it as part of the therapy.
In addition, there is a risk of allergies; the drug should not be taken by people intolerant to lactose and pork.
Long-term use of large doses of the drug can cause malfunctions in the body, so the attending physician should prescribe treatment with Pancreatin. When taking the medication, you should not violate the indicated doses and duration of administration in order to avoid side effects of the drug.
Indications for use
Medicines are prescribed in the following cases:
- chronic pancreatitis beyond the acute stage;
- recovery after radiation;
- non-infectious diarrhea;
- dyspeptic symptoms;
- operations on the gastrointestinal tract;
- Botkin syndrome;
- preparation for operations and studies of the gastrointestinal tract;
- passive lifestyle;
- slow digestion;
- liver diseases;
- gastritis;
- duodenitis;
- colitis;
- gastroduodenitis;
- cholecystitis;
- other diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- weak pancreas function;
- increased gas formation;
- cystic fibrosis.
Due to its lower enzymatic activity, Pancreatin can be taken for any type of gastritis and chronic pancreatitis. This remedy is best used after overeating or eating fatty foods. Mezim has a stronger effect, so it is not recommended to take it for mild digestive abnormalities.
Is there a difference between medications
Medicines are analogues of each other. They contain the same active ingredient, they have similar indications and contraindications for use. But there are also differences. The main difference is the enzyme activity indicator. But the side effects and characteristics of administration also differ in different categories of patients.
Indicators of minimal enzyme activity
Both drugs are enzyme preparations. They contain lipases, proteases, and amylases. In Mezim, the amount of each enzyme is calculated; in Pancreatin, only the general range is indicated. Conventionally speaking, one Mezim tablet corresponds to approximately three Pancreatin tablets in terms of enzyme activity.
Pancreatin has a milder effect than Mezim. This difference is taken into account when choosing treatment depending on the characteristics and severity of the disease.
Which drug is better to choose
When faced with malfunctions of the digestive system, the average person rarely consults a doctor. The fact is that indigestion, if it is not accompanied by other, more serious symptoms, is considered to be a problem not worthy of attention. Usually a person, trusting advertising or reviews of other people, goes to the pharmacy and buys the drug on his own, based on the capabilities of his own wallet and the “knowledge” imposed by advertising. And here the question may arise, what is better, the more budget-friendly, but domestic “Pancreatin” or the less cheap, but German “Mezim”.
However, before you start taking any enzyme preparation, you should consult your doctor. The fact is that the drugs differ in composition and quantity of active enzymes, and only a specialist is able to determine what dose is needed for a given patient. We should not forget that long-term use of an inadequate dose of both “Pancreatin” and “Mezim” can cause serious health problems, the treatment of which can be lengthy and very costly.
- Most often, Pancreatin is prescribed to people with minor gastrointestinal problems, since the content of enzymes in it is relatively low.
- "Mezim", as a rule, is prescribed in more severe cases indicated in the indications for use, since its action is more effective. However, if medical examinations reveal serious diseases of the digestive system, the doctor will most likely prescribe complex therapy using potent drugs.
To summarize, it is worth emphasizing once again that you should not self-medicate and buy any enzyme group drugs without first consulting a doctor. It is a competent specialist who must determine which drug will be more effective in this particular case: “Pancreatin” or “Mezim”.
Directions for use and dosage
Pancreatin should be taken after meals or during meals. The average dosage is one to three tablets three times a day. The general course of treatment depends on the disease.
Mezim should be taken before meals. The average dosage is one to two tablets three times a day. The dosage can be increased to 4 tablets at a time. The total duration of therapy is selected individually.
When treating children, the course of treatment is determined by the doctor. The dosage is calculated based on the child's weight.
In both cases, the overall course of treatment can last from one day to several years.
Manufacturer and price
Another difference between medicines is the country of manufacture. Pancreatin is produced by pharmaceutical companies from Russia and Germany. Mezim is considered a product of German production.
Pancreatin is a cheap and accessible remedy. Average price per package 60 pcs. is 76-89 rubles.
Mezim is an expensive analogue. The drug in the amount of 20 tablets will cost 85 rubles. Mezim Forte is even more expensive - from 208 to 330 rubles.
special instructions
Medications reduce iron levels, so it is recommended to combine medications with nutritional supplements. If treatment lasts less than 14 days, then iron supplementation is not required. When treating severe gastrointestinal diseases, it is useful to adhere to a gentle diet.
Before starting treatment, it is recommended to read the instructions for use included in the package with the medicine.
Pregnancy and lactation
It is not recommended to take medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the baby, then the doctor may allow it.
Childhood
Both drugs can be used by children from three years of age (the tablet cannot be divided into several doses). If the child can swallow a whole tablet, then administration at an earlier age is allowed. The dosage is calculated by the doctor individually, based on body weight.
Elderly age
Admission allowed. In older people, pancreatic secretion decreases, so larger doses of drugs may be needed. Treatment can only take place under the supervision of a doctor.
Reviews
Olga Viktorovna, gastroenterologist: “I most often recommend that patients take two Pancreatin tablets with meals. It works out well for the price, and the effect is noticeable. But it is important to understand that the course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient.”
Maxim Gennadievich, gastroenterologist: “If the disease is not serious, or we are talking about poor nutrition, then patients are given a choice. In this case, I don’t see any difference in the medications. But if we are talking about a serious gastrointestinal disease, then I conduct a full examination of the client, study the tests and choose a drug and dosage regimen. In some cases, it is necessary to very clearly understand and calculate enzyme activity. Only Mezim will help here.”
Alexey, patient: “After every hearty and stomach-heavy feast, I take a Mezim tablet. In my opinion, it’s a good remedy for eliminating heaviness or preventing fermentation after junk food. I can’t say anything about the medicinal properties.”
Margarita, patient: “When I have heaviness in my stomach, I take both Mezim and Pancreatin (depending on what I can find). But if chronic gastritis makes itself felt, then only Pancreatin. I follow my doctor’s recommendations.”
General characteristics of the funds
Both medications are created to compensate for the lack of production of digestive enzymes in the pancreas.
The active ingredient is pancreatin. When entering the body, the substance breaks down into amylase, lipase and protease. The drugs are sold in tablet form. Therefore, additional components have been added to the composition in the form of:
- microcrystalline cellulose,
- silicon dioxide,
- hypromellose,
- talc,
- Magnesium stearate.
Mezim and Pancreatin are used to improve food digestion and eliminate unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence, and dyspeptic syndrome.
Enzymes are also indicated for those people who are prescribed diagnostic measures.
The tablets are enteric coated. This prevents early destruction of the contents of the capsules in the gastric juice.
How they affect the body
The main active component of both medications is pancreatin. This substance is a powdery substance that is produced by extracting from the pork pancreas.
Pancreatin consists of four main enzymes - amylase, lipase, trypsin and chymotrypsin. These substances are needed to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
The main component is not absorbed into the blood, but enters the intestinal walls and is excreted along with the feces. Most enzymes undergo breakdown and denaturation in the digestive tract under the influence of bacteria and digestive juices.
The maximum concentration of active substances is observed 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine.
