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Use of Pancreatin Tablets

Pancreatin is a mixture of several digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas, including amylase, lipase and protease. It is sold under a variety of trade names, such as Kutrase, Ku-Zyme and Pan-2400. Pancreatin is used to treat conditions caused by a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes. These may include the surgical removal of the pancreas (pancreatectomy) and diseases like cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis.

  1. Dosages

    • Know that Kutrase, Ku-Zyme and Pan-2400 are common capsule forms of pancreatin. Kutrase contains 30,000 units of amylase, 2,400 units of lipase and 30,000 units of protease. Ku-Zyme contains half of these dosages. Pan-2400 contains 75,900 units of amylase, 9816 units of lipase and 60,214 units protease.

      Common forms of pancreatin in tablet form include Hi-Vegi-Lip and Pancreatin 4X. These forms contain 60,000 units each of amylase and protease. Hi-Vegi-Lip contains 4800 units of lipase and pancreatin has 12,000 units of lipase. Tablets with higher dosages of pancreatic enzymes are also available.

    Administration and Storage

    • Keep in mind that pancreatin is normally taken with a meal or snack, although the specific frequency depends on the form of pancreatin. For example, Kutrase is typically taken one capsule at a time and a dosage of Ku-Zyme may be one or two capsules.

      Pancreatin capsules or tablets should be swallowed immediately without chewing to avoid irritating the mouth. Another option is to open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on soft food. Pancreatin should be protected from moisture.

    Contraindications and Side Effects

    • Understand that pancreatin is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to pork products or any of the other ingredients in pancreatin. Patients with acute pancreatitis may also be unable to tolerate supplements of pancreatic enzymes. Breastfeeding mothers should use pancreatin with caution as its effects on breast milk are not currently understood. Additional conditions that may contraindicate the use of pancreatin include Crohn disease, bowel obstruction and short bowel syndrome.

      The most common side effects of pancreatitis are stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes and hives. It can also irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth if the powder is inhaled. In some cases, this may prompt an attack of asthma. Pancreatitis is generally considered safe for long-term use.

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