Pancreatin for heartburn: does it help or not during pregnancy?

Festal is an enzyme preparation. It is produced in dragees, which are covered with an enteric coating. It is prescribed to improve digestion and eliminate heaviness in the stomach. But you need to know not only the indications for the use of Festal, but also its contraindications and undesirable effects.

Festal is a combination drug that normalizes digestion

Description and pharmacological properties

Description

Description of the medication Festal: the drug is available in round, glossy white dragees, on top they are covered with an enteric coating. They have a faint vanilla scent.

What is Festal? This is a combination medication, its effect is due to the substances included in the drug.

The active substances of Festal are:

pancreatin;
hemicellulose;
bile.

The drug contains sodium chloride as auxiliary components.

The shell includes the following components:

cellacephate;
gelatin;
Castor oil;
arovaniline;
sucrose;
nipagin;
propylparaben;
liquid grape sugar;
talc;
calcium carbonate;
glycerol;
gum arabic;
macrogol 6000;
titanium dioxide.

The drug is available in 20, 40, 60 and 100 tablets per package.

Pharmacology

The drug breaks down proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The active substances are covered with a protective coating; it does not dissolve until the medicine is delivered to the small intestine, which protects the enzymes from destruction by gastric juice. The medication, when taken orally, promotes complete and rapid digestion of food. It relieves unpleasant phenomena that appear due to digestive disorders:

excessive gas formation;
feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach;
loose stools;
feeling of lack of air;
dyspnea, which appears due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Festal eliminates heaviness in the stomach.
The bile acids included in the medication help correct biliary insufficiency, which is usually observed in chronic pancreatitis. Thanks to the bile extract included in the composition, the medicine has a choleretic effect, it helps the absorption of triglycerides and fat-soluble vitamins, such as tocopherol, retinol and vitamin K, and helps the pancreas secrete lipase.

The hemicellulose enzyme included in the composition helps break down plant fiber, which facilitates digestion and reduces signs of flatulence.

Data on the pharmacokinetics of the drug are not provided.

Composition and release form

Pharmacological form of release of the drug: tablets. The active ingredients of Festal are pancreatin, bile components, hemicellulase.

Each of the components performs its own function in the human body.

Pancreatin

It is a digestive enzyme. Produced in the pancreas. Pancreatin helps the intestines break down food into carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Components of bile

The enzyme compound is also produced in the liver. Responsible in the body for the absorption of certain vitamins belonging to group A, E, D. Helps break down fats. Helps improve motor activity of the intestinal tract.

Hemicellulase

Enzyme component. Helps digest fiber. Hemicellulose also promotes the collapse of gas bubbles in the intestines, thereby reducing gas formation.

Reduces the possibility of flatulence. Prevents spasmodic phenomena and relieves bloating.

Indications and restrictions for use

Application area

What does Festal help with? The medication is prescribed for chronic pancreatitis, in which the pancreas produces an insufficient amount of enzymes and there is a decrease in the flow of bile and bile acids into the intestines. Clinically, this is manifested by indigestion, excessive accumulation of gases, and constipation.

In addition, Festal has the following indications for use as part of complex therapy:

extensive liver damage, which occurs with cirrhosis, as a result of exposure to alcohol and toxins;
after removal of the gallbladder, when there is a lack of bile acids;
disruption of the movement of bile acids, which can develop with dyskinesia of the bile ducts, dysbiosis, chronic disruption of the processes of digestion, transport and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine;
disruption of the neurohumoral regulation of the processes of formation and separation of bile in chronic diseases of the digestive tract, such as chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, gall bladder, and duodenum.

Festal is also prescribed to patients with normal digestive system function to improve digestion in case of errors in the diet, as well as in cases of forced prolonged immobility, physical inactivity, and disorders of chewing function, for example, after installing braces.

In addition, Festal is prescribed in preparation for x-ray and ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

Festal is prescribed before an abdominal ultrasound

Contraindications

In addition to the indications for the use of Festal, you need to know its contraindications. It is not prescribed if the patient has:

individual intolerance to the drug;
liver inflammation;
acute pancreatin or chronic in the acute stage;
increased level of bilirubin in the blood;
gallstones;
intestinal obstruction;
liver failure, coma or precoma;
tendency to upset stomach;
obstructive jaundice;
accumulation of pus in the gallbladder.

Festal is not prescribed for children under 3 years of age, since the child cannot swallow the pills without violating the integrity of the enteric membrane.

A relative contraindication to the use of Festal is cystic fibrosis.

Briefly about Pancreatin

This medicine belongs to the group of enzymes and is produced on the basis of an animal extract from the pancreas of cattle (or pigs). Pancreatin contains digestive enzymes that help normalize the breakdown and absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which in turn helps improve the digestive process.

In addition, the drug has the property of reducing gas formation and a weak analgesic effect. Therefore, it is often prescribed to people in preparation for abdominal examinations.

In complex therapy, Pancreatin is prescribed in the cases described here. The drug does not have many side effects and contraindications, but they still exist.

Admission rules

The pills should be taken orally, with or immediately after food. They should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water. You should not take the drug at the same time as hot food or drinks, as the protective shell of the pill will be destroyed and the effect of Festal will be worse.

Important! Despite the fact that Festal is available without a prescription, self-medication is not allowed. The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the doctor individually. The duration of therapy can vary from several days (if the digestive processes are disrupted due to dietary disorders) to several months and even years (if the patient needs constant replacement therapy).

Before an x-ray or ultrasound, Festal is prescribed for 2-3 days before the procedure.

When taking Festal, it should be taken into account that when administered in parallel with cimetidine, the effect of enzymes is enhanced.

During treatment with Festal, the adsorption of antibiotics, PAS, and sulfonamides increases, but the absorption of iron-containing drugs worsens.

When administered together with antacids, active substances such as magnesium or calcium carbonate may reduce the effect of using Festal.

Important! Do not exceed the dosage recommended by the doctor, otherwise an overdose of the medication may occur. It manifests itself as hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria. In this case, discontinuation of the drug and symptomatic therapy are required. There is no specific antidote.

The medicine should be stored in a place where children cannot reach it, at a temperature of maximum 25 degrees. The shelf life of the medication is 3 years, after which the drug must be disposed of.

Does it help with heartburn?

It is advisable to treat heartburn with Pancreatin in the following pathologies:

binge eating;
pancreatitis;
gastritis and ulcers, but not in a state of exacerbation;
liver inflammation;
flatulence;
metabolic disease.

All these pathologies can cause heartburn. In this case, Pancreatin will not remove heartburn, but will act on its original cause.

Due to impaired digestive function, stagnation and fermentation often occur in the stomach. This results in heartburn, flatulence or diarrhea. In this case, it is advisable to use Pancreatin, as it will improve the functioning of the stomach and all unpleasant symptoms will disappear.

Pancreatin is used as part of complex treatment in the treatment of heartburn . Drugs with an anticidal effect and antisecretory agents are also used.

Adverse reactions

Festal may cause the following side effects:

nausea;
loose stools;
abdominal pain, including intestinal colic;
allergies, which can manifest as redness of the skin, lacrimation and sneezing; in this case, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor to prescribe antihistamines and adjust the further treatment regimen.

With long-term use in large dosages, hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria may occur.

When Festal is prescribed to children in large dosages, they may experience irritation of the perianal area and oral mucosa.

Analogs

Substitutes for the drug are available on the market.

Enzistal

A complete analogue of Festal is Enzistal. It contains the same active components. Unlike Festal, Enzistal is available in enteric-coated tablets. In addition, it is allowed to be prescribed to children from 6 years of age.

Enzistal is one of the analogues of Festal

Creon

A partial analogue of Festal is Creon. The active substance is pancreatin. Creon is produced in the form of gelatin capsules, each of them contains mini-microspheres coated with enteric coatings. Gelatin capsules dissolve in the stomach, resulting in the release of hundreds of mini-microspheres, which are mixed with intestinal contents and enzymes are better distributed. Creon can be used in children from birth. To do this, the capsule is opened and its contents are given to the child with water or milk. Mini-microspheres cannot be chewed or crushed, as in these cases the therapeutic effect of the drug is reduced. Unlike Festal, Creon is contraindicated only in case of individual intolerance, acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Unienzyme with MPS

An analogue of Festal in the therapeutic group is the drug Unienzyme with MPS. The medicine is available in black tablets. The active substances are:

fungal diastase and papain are plant enzymes that facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients;
simethicone is a carminative, prevents the formation of gases and destroys those that are present;
activated carbon is an adsorbent that removes waste and toxins from the body that are formed due to digestive disorders;
nicotinamide regulates digestive processes.

You can replace Festal with an analogue only after consultation with a specialist, since each of them has its own indications and contraindications for use.

When there are disturbances in the digestive tract caused by diseases or poor lifestyle, enzyme preparations come to the rescue. They help digest food and reduce discomfort in the intestines. One of these drugs is Festal. What kind of drug is this, what are the indications and contraindications for its use?

Is Pancreatin useful for heartburn, gastritis and other gastrointestinal diseases?

Gastritis is a very common disease nowadays.
This is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by a significant increase or decrease in the acidity of gastric juice and impaired secretory function.

Today we will look at the use of Pancreatin and its effectiveness in the treatment of gastritis. But, first of all, let’s look at the causes, types and symptoms of this disease.

Is it permissible to use Pancreatin to treat gastritis?

Causes of gastritis

Depending on the nature of the disease, it can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is characterized by burning pain in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

It requires immediate medical attention! If the acute form was treated incorrectly or untimely, the disease becomes chronic.

Also, the chronic form can develop independently for various reasons, such as:

the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, which destroy the mucous membrane;
gross violations of the diet;
addiction to spicy and hot foods;
dry food;
poorly chewed food;
drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach
reasons related to professional activity, heredity and uncontrolled use of medications.

Important ! Lack or delay of treatment for gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers, internal bleeding and even malignant neoplasms.

Pancreatin for gastritis

As we see, with any form of gastritis, the structure of the gastric mucosa is disrupted, which, therefore, leads to undesirable results: discomfort and pain, disruption of the proper functioning of the organ, and decreased absorption of nutrients from incoming food. This is where Pancreatin comes to the rescue.

The enzymes contained in it will help a weakened stomach deal with incoming food most effectively and painlessly.

They will break down molecules of proteins, fats and starch that are difficult to digest and assimilate into simple components, making the digestion process faster and less painful.

It is for this purpose that doctors prescribe patients to drink Pancreatin in combination with other drugs.

Reference . Pancreatin components stimulate the production of enzymes in the pancreas, stomach, intestines and liver, which break down food at various stages of digestion. These enzymes break down starch into dextrins and monosaccharides, proteins into amino acids and polypeptides, fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Indications for use

The list of indications for which Pancreatin is taken is quite extensive. Let's look at those that are most closely associated with gastritis:

treatment of gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroduodenitis, colitis, as well as maintenance therapy for these diseases;
preparation for examination of the gastrointestinal tract;
low absorption of food and heaviness in the stomach after eating;
eating disorder (qualitative, quantitative and chronological);
bloating, gas formation, flatulence;
chewing disorder;
reduced patient mobility;
postoperative indications.

The drug helps regulate the secretion of gastric juice and maintain intestinal microflora, improves the quality of food digestion, and minimizes injuries to the inflamed mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. For most diseases, it is used in combination with other medications.

Contraindications

Since Pancreatin is an enzyme, that is, an analogue of a substance produced by the human body, the list of its contraindications is extremely small. These include:

exacerbation of pancreatitis;
hypersensitivity to any component.

The appropriateness of use during pregnancy and lactation is determined by the attending physician.

Question: is it possible to drink Pancreatin during exacerbation of gastritis?

Answer: you can, if your doctor prescribed it to you. As a rule, during an exacerbation, the drug is prescribed to quickly pass the acute phase and relieve discomfort after eating.

Instructions for use

Let us remind you once again that any medicine must be used as prescribed by a doctor, after a medical examination and diagnosis. The use of Pancreatin is no exception.

The dosage at which you take the medicine is calculated depending on the diagnosis and on an individual basis. The dose recommended by the doctor should not be changed independently, because

this may negatively affect the course of the disease.

There are also general dosage standards that you can rely on unless your doctor recommends otherwise:

children under 1.5 years old - 50,000 units/day;
children over 1.5 years old - 100,000 units/day;
adults - 150,000 units/day.

Important ! Maximum daily dose for an adult patient: 15,000 units/kg.

The duration of treatment is also determined by the doctor.

It can be several days (with malnutrition), several months (with chronic gastritis) or even years (with enzyme deficiency).

The tablet should be taken whole with water. It must immediately enter the stomach; it must not be sucked or chewed. As a rule, the medication is prescribed after each meal.

Important ! Alcohol in any dose neutralizes the effect of Pancreatin.

Prevention of gastritis: Pancreatin and diet

All food products contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates in varying proportions. In order for them to be absorbed by our body, it produces enzymes that break them down into their component parts.

Some foods are harder to digest than others, requiring more enzymes. These are, for example, sweets, spicy and fatty dishes.

And if a healthy body copes with them on its own for some time (we emphasize - only for some time!), then those with gastroenterological diseases do not. Pancreatin comes to his aid.

What about a healthy body? Should he be helped? Definitely should. Even if you have never been diagnosed with gastritis, take enzyme preparations after family holidays rich in fatty foods, trips to fast food and simply an increased portion of various smoked meats and sweets. Pancreatin will compensate for the lack of gastric juices necessary for processing large amounts of fat.

Prevention of exacerbation

If you already have a chronic form of gastritis, it is important to prevent exacerbation. This is achieved by following the diet prescribed by the doctor, which varies depending on the acidity of the gastric juice.

General recommendations:

regular split four to five meals a day, avoiding fatty, salty, smoked foods and alcohol.

Recommendations for patients with hyperacidity:

avoidance of foods that provoke acid secretion - sour fruits and berries, rye bread, coffee.

Recommendations for patients with low acidity:

avoidance of foods that irritate the gastric mucosa and also require long-term digestion in the stomach - baked goods, hot dough products (pancakes, pancakes);
introduction into the diet of products that increase the secretion of acid - meat and fish broths, vinaigrettes, cabbage, beans, apricots.

Pancreatin analogues

This medicine is used very widely and has a lot of analogues both in the form of tablets and capsules, so everyone can choose the form of the medicine to suit their pocket and depending on the need.

For example, the capsule version is recommended for young children, since the capsule can be opened and its contents poured into a spoon. This method of application is provided by the manufacturers and is carried out without loss of effectiveness.

The most common analogues:

Creon;
Mezim and Mezim-forte;
Micrasim;
Panzinorm;
Penzital;
Festal;
Digestal;
Enzistal;
Hermital.

By following the recommendations for a healthy diet, you can certainly avoid unpleasant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or their exacerbations. We wish you health and remind you that every family’s medicine cabinet must have Pancreatin or its equivalent.

Source:

Is Pancreatin possible for gastritis?

First, let’s look at what gastritis is and how to treat it.

Gastritis – disease or symptom

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which occurs with a change in the structure of the mucosa and its ability to regenerate. In more severe or protracted cases, gastritis occurs with cell atrophy and in the future, the gastric mucosa and its walls can be replaced by connective or fibrous tissue.

Gastritis can be both a separate disease and a symptom of dysfunction of the digestive system of other organs. Most often, gastritis acts as a separate disease.

Why does gastritis appear?

The cause in some cases of gastritis lies in infection of the stomach with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. It literally settles in the walls of the stomach, causing pain and indigestion.

In most cases, gastritis appears as a result of a negligent attitude to nutrition, regimen, and the foods consumed. As a rule, this attitude leads to the transition of gastritis to a chronic form. Chronic gastritis is much more difficult to control and treat. Treatment of gastritis with Pancreatin brings only temporary improvement.

Factors leading to gastritis:

improper and unbalanced diet;
abuse of salty, pickled and fatty foods;
abuse of hot and spicy foods;
alcohol abuse and smoking;
food on the go, instant food;
poorly chewed food;
excessive use of medications that lead to dysfunction of the gastric mucosa;

Why is Pancreatin used for gastritis?

Pancreatin is an enzyme preparation that consists of protease, amylase and lipase. They promote the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins coming from food. With gastritis, there is a disruption in the production of enzymes by the stomach itself.

Poorly digested food enters the duodenum. The pancreas begins to intensively produce enzymes in order to digest food that should have already been partially digested.

The use of Pancreatin for gastritis helps ease the work of the gland and facilitate the rapid digestion of food.

Symptoms of gastritis

Gastritis occurs in two types: acute and chronic. Symptoms may vary slightly.

Acute gastritis:

the main symptom is pain in the epigastric region. Aggravates after eating and starting digestion;
nausea and vomiting are often accompanying gastritis;
dizziness, headache, general malaise, feeling of weakness;
appearance of pale skin;
dryness of the oral mucosa;

Source: https://medtechnika-nt.ru/endokrinolog/polezen-li-pankreatin-pri-izzhoge-gastrite-i-drugih-zabolevaniyah-zhkt.html

Composition information

Festal belongs to the group of multienzyme drugs. This means that it contains several enzymes - substances that speed up digestive reactions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Festal is available in the form of tablets or dragees in an enteric coating, which allows them to pass through the aggressive environment of the stomach and reach the small intestine, where the active ingredients are released.

Festal composition:

pancreatin - 192 mg,
hemicellulase - 50 mg,
ox bile extract - 20 mg.

Festal also contains auxiliary ingredients that form the shell, including sucrose and glucose.

Pancreatin includes pancreatic (produced by the pancreas) enzymes: protease (breaks down proteins), lipase (breaks down fats) and amylase (breaks down carbohydrates, particularly sugars). Pancreatin improves the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.

Hemicellulase breaks down plant fiber, which helps reduce gas formation in the intestines.

Bile extract has a choleretic effect, improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and stimulates the production of lipase by the pancreas.

How to fight the disease with Festal?

Festal compensates for the insufficiency of exocrine pancreatic function

To eliminate the unpleasant sensations of reflux, a number of drugs are used, one of them, which helps with heartburn, is Festal.

Festal is a complex drug containing enzymes (pancreatin - 192 mg, hemicellulase 50 mg) and bile components (25 mg).

The mechanism of action is based on the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, fiber and food proteins by enzymes contained in the tablets. This increases the flow of bile, improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other substances in the small intestine, and reduces gas formation. Prescribed for chronic pancreatitis, chronic gastritis, duodenitis, liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, in preparation for studies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are chronic diseases of the pancreas and liver in the acute stage, acute processes in the pancreas, acute cholecystitis, inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract, gallstones, hyperbilirubinemia, intestinal obstruction and increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.

The drug should be prescribed with caution during pregnancy, cystic fibrosis, and children. The dosage of Festal is determined by the doctor and is usually 1-2 tablets 3 times a day, increased if necessary.

Side effects include abdominal pain, pain and itching of the oral and/or perianal mucosa, nausea, and frequent loose stools. Individual intolerance resembles the clinic of allergic reactions. The appearance of the above symptoms requires stopping the drug and consulting a doctor.

An overdose of the drug is accompanied by an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood and urine.

Festal interacts with other drugs that the patient may take in parallel. Taking antacids that contain calcium and magnesium salts reduces the effect of using Festal.

Festal is an accessible and inexpensive drug

The drug is available in tablets and is included in the over-the-counter list of drugs.

As follows from the above, Festal will help against heartburn in case of chronic diseases of the pancreas, liver, and diseases of the stomach and duodenum. Festal helps with heartburn and after heavy meals.

In cases of mechanical pressure on the stomach, impaired innervation, and during pregnancy, the drug is ineffective.

Treatment of heartburn begins with general measures:

reduce weight;
do not eat food 2-3 hours before bedtime;
wear loose clothing (trousers);
wear shoes without laces;
put on shoes while squatting;
exclude heartburn-forming foods;
sleep with the head of the bed raised;
collection of information about concomitant and past diseases.

The doctor collects anamnesis from a patient with heartburn

The role of enzymes and bile

Pancreatic enzymes play a vital role in the digestion process. Normally, they pass through the duct, where they mix with bile, into the small intestine and are directly involved in the breakdown of nutrients. Food in the small intestine is processed by a mixture of enzymes and bile, where fats are emulsified and broken down.

With insufficient production of bile and enzymes, digestion is disrupted: nutrients are poorly absorbed, the absorption of certain foods is impaired, putrefactive processes and fermentation can begin in the intestines. All this cannot but affect a person’s well-being.

A deficiency of pancreatic enzymes can occur as a symptom of pancreatic disease. Disturbances in the production of bile can be either a symptom of diseases of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and intestines, or occur in people with healthy digestive organs due to poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, forced immobility, for example, after injury or surgery.

Festal contains pankeatic enzymes and bile components, which compensate for the lack of these substances when they are insufficiently produced by the body, and help normalize digestion.

Causes of heartburn

A burning sensation behind the breastbone, which is called heartburn, occurs due to the fact that gastric juice, bile or pancreatic enzymes enter the esophagus. Most often, heartburn is a symptom of stomach ulcers, chronic gastritis, gastric valve insufficiency and increased secretion of gastric juice.

Antacid medications, which are prescribed to patients for heartburn, have a neutralizing property and help cope with acid, which irritates the intestinal walls and causes a burning sensation.

If we talk about “Pancreatin” or any of its analogues from the group of enzyme preparations, they do not have similar properties, therefore, theoretically, they are not able to eliminate heartburn.

Why is Pancreatin sometimes able to cope with a burning sensation in the chest? In order to answer this question, you need to read a brief description of the drug itself.

Indications for use

Festal is prescribed as replacement therapy for insufficient pancreatic secretion, as well as for people with a healthy gastrointestinal tract with minor digestive disorders.

Indications for use of Festal:

for diseases of the pancreas associated with insufficient production of enzymes, including dystrophic ones;
after operations and radiation therapy;
with loss of bile acids after cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder);
for liver diseases: alcoholic and toxic lesions, cirrhosis;
in case of disturbances in the circulation of bile acids due to biliary dyskinesia, malabsorption (poor absorption), dysbacteriosis, in old age;
for chronic gastrointestinal diseases: gastritis, duodenitis, cholecystitis associated with impaired production and separation of bile;
with flatulence, diarrhea.

Festal is also indicated for people with a healthy gastrointestinal tract in the following cases:

errors in diet;
digestive disorders due to chewing disorders, sedentary lifestyle, forced immobilization;
before medical examinations of the abdominal organs.

Due to the properties of festal to improve the absorption of PAS, antibiotics and sulfonamides, it is prescribed in combination with these drugs to make their administration more effective.

General recommendations and dosage

Festal is taken after or during meals. It is necessary to drink it with a small amount of liquid. The dragees are not chewed, since if the shell is broken, pancreatin is destroyed by gastric juice.

Do not take tablets with hot drinks.

Usually prescribed to take 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. The dose can be increased only in consultation with the doctor.

Before examinations of the gastrointestinal tract, 2-3 days before the procedure, Festal is prescribed, 2 tablets 2-3 times a day.

The dosage of the drug for the child is determined by the doctor.

The duration of the course depends on the indications. For minor digestive disorders, it lasts several days; in cases of replacement therapy, the duration of treatment can be more than several months.

Significant contraindications

Festal has certain contraindications. It should not be taken with

individual hypersensitivity to its components;
acute pancreatitis, exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
liver failure, hepatic coma and precoma;
hepatitis;
hyperbilirubinemia - increased levels of bilirubin in the blood;
cholelithiasis;
mechanical (caused by blockage or compression of the bile ducts) jaundice;
empyema of the gallbladder;
intestinal obstruction;
tendency to diarrhea;
children under 3 years old.

If you are pregnant or have cystic fibrosis, you should consult your doctor first. In case of diabetes mellitus, Festal is taken with caution due to the sucrose and glucose contained in the shell.

Enzyme preparation Pancreatin for heartburn

Heartburn occurs as a result of the irritating effects of acidic gastric juice, which is thrown into the esophagus for various reasons. For example, the reasons for reverse reflux can be: physical activity in an inclined position of the body immediately after eating, reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia, gastritis with increased acidity of gastric juice and other reasons.

When does Pancreatin help with heartburn?

Does Pancreatin help with heartburn? If the cause of heartburn is the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus as a result of fermentation processes, the administration of Pancreatin in this case is advisable.

Fermentation in the stomach occurs due to stagnation of food due to impaired digestive function.

Poor digestion of food bolus is usually caused by insufficient digestive enzymes.

This situation can occur against the background of certain diseases of the digestive system.

Enzyme deficiency occurs due to the following reasons:

Condition after resection of the stomach and intestines.
Dystrophic processes in the stomach and intestines resulting from inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane.
Condition after irradiation for oncological pathologies of the digestive organs.
Decreased digestive function as a result of chronic overeating and poor diet.

In the above situations, Pancreatin will help quite effectively.

Pancreatin for heartburn is used as part of a complex treatment of heartburn, which, as a rule, includes the prescription of drugs with an antacid effect, proton pump blockers and antisecretory agents.

As an independent remedy, the drug can be used to alleviate the condition after overeating, in case of eating disorders. Pancreatin will also have a good effect on heartburn caused in a healthy person by eating spicy, fatty, concentrated foods.

Pancreatin can be used to improve food digestion in case of dietary errors

Contraindications for use

Pancreatin is not used in cases of hypersensitivity to the components included in the drug.

In addition, its use in acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of a chronic process in the pancreas is strictly prohibited.

In this case, the pancreas is exposed to its own enzymes, which have a damaging effect on the cells of the organ. The use of Pancreatin in this case will significantly worsen the situation.

Undesirable effects from the use of the drug

Pancreatin, which helps with enzyme deficiency, like any pharmacologically active drug, can cause unwanted reactions:

Allergic effects in the form of skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face and neck.
Dyspeptic disorders - vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
Increased level of uric acid in the blood.
When taking high doses of Pancreatin, exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis is possible.

If side effects occur, you should stop taking the drug and contact your doctor, who will decide on replacing the drug.

If allergic reactions occur, the prescription of antihistamines, as well as enterosorbents, which will remove the allergen from the body, is indicated.

If swelling of the face and neck occurs, you should seek immediate medical attention as swelling may develop in the larynx, which can be fatal. This reaction occurs extremely rarely.

Typically, an allergic reaction develops in the form of skin manifestations and itching.

Suprastin is an antihistamine

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant women often suffer from such a symptom as heartburn, especially in the later stages, when the enlarged uterus puts pressure on neighboring internal organs. Therefore, treatment of heartburn during pregnancy is a very pressing problem.

For heartburn during pregnancy, Pancreatin can also be prescribed. However, the drug is used in extreme cases and under the strict supervision of a doctor. The effect of the drug on the developing fetus has not been fully studied.

It is also possible to prescribe the drug during lactation with caution.

Reviews about the drug

According to reviews of specialists who prescribe Pancreatin, the drug has an effect quite quickly. When taken as a course, the therapeutic effect lasts for a long time. The drug is generally well tolerated and rarely causes unwanted effects.

Patients also note a significant improvement in their condition already in the first days of taking the drug. During treatment with Pancreatin, food digestion improves, which is manifested by the elimination of epigastric heaviness, belching, heartburn and other dyspeptic symptoms.

Side effects

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With long-term use in large doses or individual sensitivity, side effects are possible:

An allergic reaction to the components of the drug is manifested by sneezing, lacrimation, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Children sometimes experience irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and anus.
With long-term use, hyperuricemia and hyperuricuria are possible.

Drug analogues

Festal is not the only drug containing pancreatin, bile components and hemicellulase. Festal analogues:

enzistal,
digestal,
normoenzyme.

If the presence of pancreatin in the composition is important, then the following drugs are recommended:

pancreatin,
mezim,
Creon.

The advantage of the latter is the ability to use it in young children.

You can replace one drug with another only after consulting a doctor.

The multienzyme preparation Festal improves digestion due to the content of pancreatic enzymes, hemicellulase and bile extract. It is used to compensate for the lack of enzymes and bile acids in gastrointestinal diseases, as well as in other cases to improve the absorption of food. There are analogues of festal with a similar effect and composition.

Many people experience digestive disorders. As a result, symptoms such as pain and heaviness in the abdomen, nausea, and bloating occur. It will be possible to cope with them with the help of enzymatic preparations, among which are Festal and Creon.

The role of enzyme preparations in the treatment of heartburn

As mentioned above, heartburn is not an independent disease, but only a symptom that signals the presence of a particular problem.

If we are not talking about an episodic attack of heartburn after a heavy feast, then first of all you should consult a doctor. After passing all the necessary examinations, the cause of the burning sensation will be determined and appropriate therapy will be selected.

Against the background of dysfunction of the pancreas, a deficiency of digestive enzymes occurs, and, as a result, the digestion process is disrupted. The following symptoms indicate this:

bowel dysfunction;
pain and feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
gas formation;

In this case, heartburn occurs due to the release of bile and pancreatic juice, as well as due to fermentation processes occurring in the stomach.

“Festal”, as well as its analogues, in such a situation treat the cause, compensating for the lack of enzymes and thereby normalizing the digestion process.

Thus, Festal will not be able to stop an attack of heartburn. Moreover, it should not be used in parallel with anticidal drugs, since they reduce the effectiveness of each other. Therefore, we can answer the question of whether Festal helps with heartburn. It does not relieve the symptom, but treats the cause, preventing its occurrence.

In addition, quite often heartburn occurs after a heavy holiday feast. When a person eats much more fatty and heavy food than his gastrointestinal tract is able to digest.

In this case, “Festal” will also be an excellent assistant. The enzymes contained in the drug will help the body cope with the amount of fats that it would not be able to break down on its own. Therefore, just one or two Festal tablets during a feast will help avoid such unpleasant consequences as heartburn, heaviness and abdominal pain.

You can significantly reduce the risk of heartburn if you regularly take the drug to treat the following conditions:

Chronic form of pancreatitis with penetration of pancreatic juice into the esophagus;
Chronic form of gastritis with low acidity. In this case, the fermentation process begins in the stomach;
A chronic form of cholecystitis, in which bile refluxes into the esophagus.

To summarize, it is worth noting once again that heartburn is only a symptom and it is the cause that should be treated. The attending physician should help with this, who will prescribe all the necessary tests and select the correct treatment.

As for Festal, it helps prevent heartburn due to certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but the drug does not combat the burning sensation itself. If an attack of heartburn begins, it is much more effective to drink an antacid that neutralizes the acid.

It is also worth noting that the treatment of gastrointestinal problems should be comprehensive and include, in addition to drug therapy, diet and a healthy lifestyle.

How they affect the body

Each of these drugs has its own effect on the digestive system and is used in the required dosage.

Many people experience digestive disorders. It will be possible to cope with them with the help of enzymatic preparations, among which are Festal and Creon.

Festal

The medication begins to have a therapeutic effect already in the stomach. The enzymes included in the drug improve the digestive process in people with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Creon

The drug capsule does not dissolve after entering the stomach, because it has an acid-resistant shell. Even gastric juice is not able to affect it, due to which the medicine moves along with food into the small intestine. Here, the medication granules are released from the capsule shell and begin to act. The dosage of enzymes in capsules can be 10,000, 25,000 and 40,000 units.

Festal begins to have a therapeutic effect already in the stomach. The enzymes included in the drug improve the digestive process in people with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

The capsule of the drug Creon does not dissolve after entering the stomach, because it has an acid-resistant shell.

The dosage of enzymes in capsules can be 10,000, 25,000 and 40,000 units.

Pancreatin for heartburn: helps or not, use during pregnancy

Heartburn occurs as a result of poor nutrition, inflammatory processes in the digestive organs, and excessive physical activity after eating. Whatever the cause of the symptom, you want to get rid of it quickly. The drug Pancreatin is a good solution to the problem. It allows you not only to cope with heartburn, but helps improve digestive function, eliminate spasms and pain.

Release form and composition

One Pancreatin tablet at a dosage of 192 mg and 384 mg contains the active substance Pancreatin in combination with digestive enzymes:

lipase – 7000 IU, necessary for the breakdown of fats;
amylase – 5000 IU, participates in the process of digestion of complex carbohydrates;
protease – 400 IU, an enzyme that allows you to break down proteins and convert them into aminocarboxylic acids.

The tablets are packaged in blisters and placed in a cardboard box with instructions for use, or sold in bulk in a plastic jar.

Contraindications and side effects

It is not always possible to take Pancreatin for heartburn. It is advisable to consult a specialist to avoid side effects:

allergic reactions in the form of rash, redness of the skin and itching;
dyspepsia – bloating, vomiting, epigastric pain, nausea, diarrhea;
exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the pancreas.

Side effects develop when you self-prescribe enzyme preparations, or when the prescribed dosage is exceeded.

Contraindications for use:

hypersensitivity to active substances and tablet shell components;
acute pancreatitis;
peptic ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas during an exacerbation;
internal bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.

To ensure normal tolerability of Pancreatin, initially take one tablet at a time. If no side effects occur, the single dosage can be increased to three tablets.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women carrying a child often complain to doctors about a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and heartburn. Such symptoms are explained by hormonal changes in the body and the growing pressure of the uterus on the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists consider the use of Pancreatin for heartburn during pregnancy possible, but under strict control and in the presence of serious indications.

Attention! No special tests have been carried out to confirm or refute the harmful effects on the fetus and penetration into milk. Because of this, during breastfeeding women are also recommended to take Pancreatin after being prescribed by a doctor.

You can take Pancreatin during pregnancy only with the permission of your doctor.

Differences and similarities between the two drugs

Creon and Festal have the following differences:

Release form. Festal is produced in the form of dragees, and Creon is produced in the form of enteric-coated capsules.
Therapeutic influence. Creon is more advanced, because its granules are broken down directly in the intestines, which increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Substances included in the composition. The dosage of the German drug is indicated on the packaging. With Festal, the exact dosage of components varies, which is not always indicated on the insert.
Indications. Creon has a much wider list of them than Festal.
Contraindications. Creon has a smaller list, which indicates the safety of the drug.
Use in childhood. Creon is approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in children over 2 years of age. Festal can be prescribed to patients over 3 years of age and only under the supervision of a doctor. This once again confirms Creon's safety.
Efficiency. In Creon it is higher than in its analogue, because it begins to act already in the intestines. Under the influence of gastric juice, some of Festal's enzymes are destroyed, so the medicine does not penetrate into the intestines in full dosage. Although in Festal the amount of the active ingredient is higher than in Creon.
Manufacturer. Creon is produced in Germany, and Festal in India.
Price. The cost of Creon is more expensive, so during long-term treatment, the purchase of this drug can significantly hit the budget.

Creon is more advanced, because its granules are broken down directly in the intestines, which increases the effectiveness of treatment.

The dosage of the German drug is indicated on the packaging. With Festal, the exact dosage of components varies, which is not always indicated on the insert.

Creon has a smaller list of contraindications, which indicates the safety of the drug.

Creon is approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in children over 2 years of age. Festal can be prescribed to patients over 3 years of age and only under the supervision of a doctor.

Creon's effectiveness is higher than that of its analogue, because it begins to act already in the intestines. Under the influence of gastric juice, some of Festal's enzymes are destroyed, so the medicine does not penetrate into the intestines in full dosage.

The cost of Creon is more expensive, so during long-term treatment, the purchase of this drug can significantly hit the budget.

When considering which is better - Festal or Creon, it is necessary to note the commonality between them - these are the features of administration and indications for treatment.

Contraindications to the use of Festal and Creon

Festal is prohibited for use in the following cases:

intolerance to components;
pancreatitis in acute or chronic form in the acute stage;
liver disease, precoma, coma;
hepatitis;
hyperbilirubinemia;
obstructive jaundice;
cholelithiasis;
empyema of the gallbladder;
intestinal obstruction;
frequent diarrhea;
age up to 3 years.

How to take Creon 10,000 for adults and children?

Pharmacy pharmacy Part 3. Enzymes. Pancreatin Festal Mezim

Creon is contraindicated:

with individual intolerance;
in acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis in the acute stage.

Side effects of Festal and Creon

When using Festal, the following side symptoms may develop:

diarrhea, intestinal colic, nausea;
allergies: lacrimation, skin hyperemia, sneezing;
prolonged use of the drug leads to increased levels of uric acid in urine and blood;
In children, when using the medication, irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and anus is possible.

When using Festal, the following side symptoms may develop: diarrhea, intestinal colic, nausea.

Long-term use of the drug Festal leads to increased levels of uric acid in urine and blood.

When taking the German enzyme, the following adverse reactions occur: abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea.

When taking the German enzyme, the following adverse reactions occur:

diarrhea;
constipation;
abdominal discomfort;
nausea.

Directions for use and dosage

These medications should be taken 1-2 tablets 3 times a day after meals.

The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the attending physician.

Indications for use of Festal and Creon

The main indication for the use of Festal remains a decrease in the number of secretory cells of the pancreas. The drug is also part of complex therapy for the treatment of:

liver damage from toxic foods or alcohol;
loss of bile juices after surgery to excise the gallbladder;
problems in the circulation, formation and separation of bile acids.

These medications should be taken 1-2 tablets 3 times a day after meals.

The drug Festal is also part of complex therapy for the treatment of liver damage from toxic products or alcohol.

The drug Creon is indicated for use in cases of indigestion of food, gastrointestinal diseases, insufficient functioning of the pancreas, etc.

The German drug is indicated in the following cases:

insufficient functioning of the pancreas;
indigestion of food;
gastrointestinal diseases;
rehabilitation period after surgery on the digestive organs;
rehabilitation period after exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Pharmacological effects

The main purpose of the medications presented is the complete and rapid digestion of food. They eliminate unpleasant phenomena that arise as a result of digestive disorders, including:

bloating;
feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach;
diarrhea;
feeling of lack of air;
dyspnea, which occurs due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

The main purpose of the medications presented is the complete and rapid digestion of food.

They eliminate unpleasant phenomena that arise as a result of digestive disorders, including: diarrhea, bloating, a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach, etc.

It should be noted that Creon is a more effective and convenient drug. Its capsules deliver beneficial substances directly to the place where they are needed.

Why does heartburn occur with pancreatitis?

As a rule, heartburn with pancreatitis is regular. In terms of the prevalence of complaints, it is on a par with belching or restlessness in the left side. The hallmark of heartburn is a burning sensation in the esophagus.

With pancreatitis, heartburn may bother you regularly.

The pancreas is the most important part of the digestive system, one of its main elements. It produces hormones that regulate carbohydrate metabolism and synthesizes enzymes involved in digestion and breakdown of food.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of this organ. Most often, this disease manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms: bloating, belching, flatulence, acute diarrhea, pain in the area of the left side, moving to the area of the shoulder blades. Heartburn, nausea and vomiting with pancreatitis are also common.

What symptoms indicate the presence of pancreatitis? Read about it here.

The process of inflammation often affects nearby digestive organs: the duodenum, liver and gallbladder.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis are classified. The main difference between them is the reversibility of the disease: in acute pancreatitis, if treatment is carried out, the function of the pancreas is restored and normalized, but in the chronic form, normalization is impossible, and over time it will steadily decrease.

Scheme of pancreatitis.

With a normally functioning pancreas, the enzymes that are produced there must enter the duodenum. With pancreatitis, this process is disrupted: enzymes are not transported to the site of food digestion, and their outflow stops.

As a result, instead of food, enzymes direct their effect on the gland itself. The process of self-digestion begins.

The result of this process is even greater damage to the pancreas and disruption of its functioning: the resulting insufficiency of the gland leads to hormonal imbalances, which, in turn, can lead to diabetes.

The body experiences a malfunction of the entire digestive system, leading to belching, heartburn, and nausea. Vomiting with acute pancreatitis is also possible.

Causes of disorders in the pancreas

The causes of pancreatitis may be the following factors:

Abuse of spicy and fatty foods, which require increased production of enzymes, thereby increasing the load on the pancreas.
Regular alcohol intoxication: when alcohol is broken down, toxins are released, they have a toxic effect on the tissue of the pancreas, causing its spasms, as a result of which intraductal pressure increases during pancreatitis.
The influence of medicinal substances and medications.
Damage to the liver or gall bladder: the liver, pancreas and gall bladder are elements of the same digestive process. They are placed nearby and have a strong influence on each other: a disease of one organ leads to disruption of the functioning of another. Removal of the gallbladder can also cause dysfunction of the gland and its inflammation.
Inflammation of the duodenum.
Formation of stones and sand in the pancreatic ducts.
Age-related degradation of glandular vessels, the formation of atherosclerosis.
Injuries, complications during therapeutic treatment.
Disorders of systemic metabolism in viral hepatitis, AIDS, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, parathyroid disease, various types of shock.
Congenital pathology of the gland.

Heartburn due to inflammation of the pancreas

Heartburn is usually accompanied by belching and abdominal pain in the area of the xiphoid process. The reason for this is the reflux of the acidic part of the stomach contents into the esophagus.

Any digestive disorder caused by irritation of the stomach walls with organic acids can provoke heartburn.

The cause of heartburn with pancreatitis is explained by the following mechanism. The pancreas constantly synthesizes substances that are involved in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

As food moves through the digestive tract, these substances are injected from the gland into the digestive system and begin to digest the food. If this does not happen, then the food, not prepared for digestion, moves further, gradually stagnates, sours and decomposes.

The body reacts to this with pain, nausea, vomiting and acute diarrhea. When food decomposes and rots, gases are released, resulting in bloating and flatulence. Stagnation and putrefaction affect the activity of the stomach and esophagus, causing inflammation and causing heartburn. Because of this, heartburn with pancreatitis can characterize the severity of the situation.

The cause of heartburn in pancreatitis is the reflux of the acidic part of the stomach contents into the esophagus.

The pancreas is a rather sensitive organ that responds to all changes in nutrition and the human biological rhythm. Her illness can even be caused by switching to only protein foods or only to a fruit and vegetable diet.

It can react to many exotic fruits, and excess fats and proteins block its work. In other words, poor diet and lifestyle can trigger a process that disrupts the functioning of the digestive system.

In this case, heartburn may no longer be the worst of the complications.

Treatment of heartburn with pancreatitis

Treatment of heartburn due to pancreatic disease should be carried out comprehensively.

Antiacid medications should be used only as prescribed by a specialist.

They are necessary for local relief of acute attacks and to accelerate the neutralization of acid.

Medicines to relieve heartburn:

Maalox;
Almagel;
Rennie.

Due to the fact that these substances are able to actively penetrate through mucous membranes, unexpected side effects may develop.

Medicines to treat heartburn:

Ranitidine;
Omeprazole;
Famotidine.

The effect of the drugs is due to an increase in tone and optimization of the motor function of the stomach. When taken, propulsive ability improves. Also, some of them have antiemetic properties.

Gastrointestinal motility stimulants:

Cisapride;
Motilium;
Ganaton.

Which is better - Festal or Creon

Having learned the composition and form of release of the two medications, we can conclude that it is better to use for gastrointestinal diseases. It should be noted that Creon is a more effective and convenient drug. Its capsules deliver beneficial substances directly to the place where they are needed. In addition, the medicine has few side effects.

Creon is produced in Germany, and Festal in India, which indicates the high quality of the first medicine.

But the German drug has a drawback - its price. It costs twice as much as its analogue, so not every patient can use it for long-term treatment.

Reviews from doctors

Sergey Filippov, 36 years old, Moscow: “Patients often come in with disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. The reason for this is poor nutrition. Previously, I prescribed them treatment using Festal, but with the advent of Creon, I revised the therapy regimen. This drug is more effective, is approved for young children and rarely causes adverse reactions. In addition, after 2 weeks of use, a positive effect is observed.”

Advertising video for the drug Creon

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Patient reviews

Maria, 24 years old, Kemerovo: “I have been using Festal for a long time. I started taking it for the first time when I was pregnant, because at that time I suffered from heartburn and diarrhea if I ate something fatty. This drug was approved by my attending physician. After just 4 days of taking it, the symptoms began to go away. And although the instructions indicate that diarrhea is a contraindication, I did not notice any side effects on myself.”

Anna, 29 years old, Tyumen: “Several years ago, my son began to complain of painful sensations in the abdomen and frequent constipation. When they did a full examination, he was diagnosed with a lack of enzymes. Creon was appointed. The doctor immediately warned us not to save money and buy this product. My son took courses for 3 months. In the first days there was diarrhea, but then the stool returned to normal and there were no side effects. I also use this remedy before the holiday, when there is a big feast coming up.”

Sergey, 56 years old, Vladivostok: “I went to the northern city for work. The local food was not suitable for me: venison, horse meat, bear meat. I am used to eating homemade food, and if something is wrong, I immediately have diarrhea. I bought Festal, which allowed me to fully do my job. There were no disorders or pains. Now I will always have this product in my medicine cabinet if I’m going to consume something exotic.”

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