Mezim for pancreatitis - action, indications and analogues

What you need to know about Mezim?

The drug Mezim or Mezim forte is an enzyme preparation that includes a number of exocrine pancreatic enzymes.

Pink flat-cylindrical tablets in a special coating with a characteristic odor. When broken, brownish pinpoint microinclusions are observed. In an acidic gastric environment, enzymes lose their activity. The acid-resistant shell protects the active substance from the action of hydrochloric acid, preventing the deactivation of enzymes. The dissolution of the shell itself and the release of enzymes occurs at a neutral acidity level.

Composition of one tablet:

Pancreatin powder with enzymes - lipase, amylase, protease, the content of which in one tablet is as follows: 3500 IU, 4200 IU and 250 IU, respectively. In addition to these enzymes, there is also trypsin, which inhibits the stimulation of the pancreas and has an analgesic effect. Mezim Forte 10000 differs from the drug Mezim in that it contains almost three times more lipase - 10,000 units in one tablet.

The active ingredients help normalize the gastrointestinal tract and digestion of food, partially taking over the functions of the pancreas.

The outer layer of the tablet is a pink shell that is resistant to hydrochloric acid of gastric juice. “Release” of the active substances occurs in the duodenum.

Mezim for pancreatitis is in demand and is quite popular among doctors and patients. Perhaps this is due to good advertising, but the properties of the drug cannot be underestimated - the advantages are clear and impressive.

The drug reduces pain, relieves inflammation, restores pancreatic juice and its outflow, which may be impaired, and the digestive system, which is also in a deplorable state.

Indications for use

Mezim is prescribed for disorders of the exocrine function of the pancreas. For example, if chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, dyspepsia, etc. are diagnosed. The remedy will be effective for inflammatory-dystrophic diseases of the intestines, gall bladder or liver. Mezim will also help with digestive disorders associated with a lack of enzymes.

The drug can be taken even in the absence of pathological processes in the body. For example, before an X-ray or ultrasound examination of the digestive system.

Mezim and its effect on the body

Pancreatin is the main component of the drug Mezim, obtained from the pig pancreas. The action of amylase, lipase, protease found in pancreatin is aimed at eliminating the lack of its own enzymes and helping the body break down and absorb nutrients through the walls of the small intestine.

The medicine is produced in the form of pink tablets. The tablet shell dissolves in the intestines, so the effect of the medicine begins forty minutes after taking it. The effect of the drug can be observed in the reduction of symptoms: gas formation, bloating, and, in some cases, heartburn are reduced.

Properties of Mezim

This enzyme preparation is available in tablet form. All tablets are coated with a special coating that is resistant to acids and is tasteless and odorless. A special shell is used to ensure that the active substance, called pancreatin, gets into the intestines.

Mezim contains a large amount of pancreatin. This substance allows you to help break down the food that comes during meals. These tablets are made from preparations obtained by processing pig pancreas.

The mechanism of action of the drug is quite simple. After the tablet enters the human body by taking it orally, it ends up in the stomach and after some time reaches the intestines. It is in the intestines that the necessary processes of breaking down food begin to occur with the help of enzymes delivered by the Mezima tablet. Due to the action of pancreatin, which helps digestion processes, the load on the pancreas is significantly reduced.

Release form

Mezim is produced in the form of flat-cylindrical tablets, enclosed in a rich pink coating, which have a specific smell of pancreatin. The shell is resistant to acids and serves to protect the active substance from deactivation of enzymes. Deprived of protection, enzymes would lose their activity under the influence of hydrochloric acid, the main component of gastric juice.

The shell protects enzymes from destruction and helps deliver them to where the acidity level is as close to neutral as possible. Mezim tablets are supplied to pharmacies in blisters made of polyvinyl chloride film or aluminum foil. Each blister contains 20 tablets. Blisters are packaged in thin cardboard boxes, one, two, four or five pieces. Each box includes detailed instructions.

Features of the mechanism of action of Mezim and other enzyme-containing tablets

"Mezim" is an enzyme preparation that compensates for exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. It promotes digestion of food when eating foods that cause heaviness in the stomach and other problems due to poor nutrition. Just like “Creon”, “Mezim”, “Pancreatin” (which is better to choose from enzyme-containing products, the doctor will advise) contain lipase, amylase and protease, which break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates into fatty acids, monosaccharides, glycerol and amino acids .

Film-coated tablets should not be chewed or crushed when taken. They begin to dissolve already in the stomach, so the drug enters the duodenum in a modified form. Other disadvantages of Mezim or Pancreatin tablets include their uneven distribution throughout the bolus and delayed penetration into the intestines. Therefore, in the question “Creon” or “Mezim”, which is better for the doctor in the treatment of pancreatitis or pancreatic dysfunction of the patient, the answer will be – the first drug. The duration of replacement therapy can range from several days to several months.

Effect of the drug in acute and chronic forms of the disease

In order to be sure that your pancreas is in an inflamed state and needs treatment, you need to understand the definition of the disease.

The pancreas is engaged in the “production” of enzymes: lipases, amylases, proteases, and also breaks down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Hormones, which, in turn, are located in the gland, are aimed at regulating glucose levels. As you can see, underestimating the importance of an organ is making a grave mistake.

Pancreatitis has two main forms - acute and chronic. The acute form develops unexpectedly and has a short duration. Sometimes a disease of this kind can contribute to the development of chronic pancreatitis and other complications.

The chronic form of the disease is accompanied by the replacement of healthy organ tissue with scar tissue, which impairs the production of enzymes necessary for normal digestion. With the disease, complications are also observed in the process of assimilation of food, fats and other nutrients. In addition to constant, paroxysmal pain, nausea appears, general malaise, thirst, and vomiting occur, which does not bring relief, debilitating the body.

Mezim is not recommended for use in acute pancreatitis - the drug is not functional in this case.

Mezim is allowed to be taken for chronic pancreatitis, but the drug must be prescribed exclusively by a doctor who takes into account clinical and laboratory tests.

The longer the body is subject to exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the more the functionality of the organ is aggravated: the patient’s stomach swells, weight decreases, and stool becomes weak (inherent “greasy”, stench, pungent odor).

It is very important to start treatment on time and consult a specialist for medical help. In order to reduce the patient's pain, the doctor will prescribe appropriate pain medications and create a treatment plan.

Mezim for chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a form of inflammation of the pancreas in which healthy tissue of this organ is replaced by scar tissue. At the same time, the body’s production of enzymes that are necessary for digestion noticeably deteriorates, and food, especially rich in fats, is less absorbed. The general state of health deteriorates, the patient is tormented by thirst, nausea, and often debilitating vomiting that does not bring relief, and all this with constant or paroxysmal pain in the epigastric region.

In case of chronic pancreatitis, Mezim is allowed to be taken, however, it should only be prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account laboratory and clinical studies.

Why is Mezim prescribed for pancreatitis?

Mezim facilitates the work of the pancreas, helps with its enzymes to replenish the insufficient amount of enzymes produced by the gland.

An inflamed pancreas works in such a way that it inhibits the entire digestion process. Its dysfunction leads to disruption of the functioning of its neighboring organs. The acidity of gastric juice increases due to the strong release of enzymes.

In acute pancreatitis, mezim does not work, and doctors do not prescribe it. In case of exacerbation, medications are first used to reduce the amount of enzymes, after which enzyme preparations can be prescribed.

For chronic illness, mezim is prescribed in combination. To normalize the functionality of the pancreas, various medications are prescribed: painkillers, enzymes, antibiotics, antispasmodics and even antiulcers. It all depends on the symptoms of the disease and the patient’s condition.

Mezim Forte is one of the most common effective drugs that helps the pancreas cope with the problem of producing exocrine enzymes. Additionally, mezim relieves pain and inflammation of the digestive system.

How is pancreatitis treated?

Treatment of acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis is fundamentally different. In the first case, the patient is provided with food rest, cold on the epigastric area, infusion therapy, pain relief, and medications are used that reduce the production of proteolytic enzymes. Often resort to surgical treatment.

The main task of treating chronic pancreatitis is to provide the patient with enzymes that would help him digest food when not enough of his own is produced. One of the most common drugs created for this purpose is Mezim.

Taking Mezim for pancreatitis

The use of medications should occur in combination with diet and lifestyle changes. Your doctor can give you an answer on how to take Mezim for pancreatitis.

A gastroenterologist is responsible for dosing and determining the duration of medication for adults and children. However, the main advantage of the tablets is the ability to use it for a long time over several years due to its good safety profile, which is very convenient for chronic pancreatitis.

Mostly a single dose is defined as several tablets - no more than 2-4 pieces. The first part is taken before meals in order to create an optimal environment for digestion. The remainder is consumed with food.

Remember that taking pills on an empty stomach is prohibited - this can provoke peptic ulcers and lead to other complications. A similar feature is inherent in all enzyme preparations.

The peculiarity of using Mezim is that the tablets do not need to be chewed or crushed. It is enough to wash the product down with water without gas, alkalis, or dyes.

The patient's age and severity of the disease affect the dosage of the drug.

Mezim should not be given to children under three years of age, from three to seven - in rare cases under the strict supervision of a doctor.

A child 7–12 years old is prescribed up to 1500 units. per 1 kg of body weight, 12 - 18 years - up to 2000 units.

Mezim should be taken immediately before meals or while eating, 1 - 2 tablets per day. If there is severe disruption of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you can additionally take up to 4 tablets. The daily dosage for an adult should not exceed 8 tablets - 130/150 thousand units; for a child – no more than three tablets.

Do not chew the medicine, swallow it immediately with still water. This is due to the fact that the action of mezim should begin directly in the intestines, and not in the mouth. By chewing the tablet, the active enzymes in its internal contents can cause ulcers of the oral mucosa and esophagus.

You can take Mezim for three days in case of dysfunction of the digestive process due to poor nutrition, or you can take it for several months. It depends on the diagnosis and course of the disease. In the case of chronic pancreatitis, replacement therapy is ongoing.

In order to activate the digestive process more successfully, it is not recommended to sleep or doze after eating. The tablets will move through the gastrointestinal tract without sticking to the walls of the stomach if you are awake and moving.

Overdose

Who doesn’t remember the famous phrase “Mezim is irreplaceable for the stomach!”? In fact, this drug is widely used for various gastrointestinal diseases.

Poor nutrition or eating junk food always leads to poor results. Thus, one of the most common problems in the modern world is disruption of the pancreas and the development of pancreatitis.

The danger lies in the fact that problems in the functioning of one of the most important human organs lead to inhibition of digestive processes. Special effective drugs are used to normalize the functioning of the pancreas.

Mezim Forte for pancreatitis is the most common medication, famous for its effectiveness.

In order to be sure that your pancreas is in an inflamed state and needs treatment, you need to understand the definition of the disease.

The chronic form of the disease is accompanied by the replacement of healthy organ tissue with scar tissue, which impairs the production of enzymes necessary for normal digestion.

In addition to constant, paroxysmal pain, nausea appears, general malaise, thirst, and vomiting occur, which does not bring relief, debilitating the body.

Mezim is not recommended for use in acute pancreatitis - the drug is not functional in this case.
Mezim is allowed to be taken for chronic pancreatitis, but the drug must be prescribed exclusively by a doctor who takes into account clinical and laboratory tests.

The drug Mezim or Mezim forte is an enzyme preparation that includes a number of exocrine pancreatic enzymes. The drug consists of pancreatin with several digestive enzymes - lipase, alpha-amylase, trypsin.

The active ingredients help normalize the gastrointestinal tract and digestion of food, partially taking over the functions of the pancreas.

The outer layer of the tablet is a pink shell that is resistant to hydrochloric acid of gastric juice. “Release” of the active substances occurs in the duodenum.

The drug reduces pain, relieves inflammation, restores pancreatic juice and its outflow, which may be impaired, and the digestive system, which is also in a deplorable state.

The use of medications should occur in combination with diet and lifestyle changes. Your doctor can give you an answer on how to take Mezim for pancreatitis.

A gastroenterologist is responsible for dosing and determining the duration of medication for adults and children. However, the main advantage of the tablets is the ability to use it for a long time over several years due to its good safety profile, which is very convenient for chronic pancreatitis.

The peculiarity of using Mezim is that the tablets do not need to be chewed or crushed. It is enough to wash the product down with water without gas, alkalis, or dyes.

Indications for taking tablets are:

development of chronic non-acute pancreatitis;
presence of gastritis;
when preparations are underway for examinations of the body (ultrasound or x-ray examinations);
if you have broken your diet or constantly overeat by eating too fatty foods;
if digestion is impaired due to surgery, impaired chewing function, due to bed rest prescribed by a doctor.

It’s strange, but this particular drug causes a lot of talk and controversy. It is considered both a fat burner and a real vitamin complex. Who should you believe and what should you not listen to?

The misconception that with the help of Mezim you can lose a couple of extra pounds is indeed a misconception. The main function of the drug, as you have seen, is to improve the digestion of food. You can get rid of fat only by eating a balanced and healthy diet.

Mezim is also effective for pancreatitis and cholecystitis due to the similarity of the symptoms of the diseases.

Contraindications to the use of the product are:

the presence of an acute form of pancreatitis;
aggravated condition in chronic pancreatitis;
individual intolerance or allergy to individual components;
Admission under the age of three is also prohibited.

It is impossible to say that the drug does not cause any harm, since every drug has side effects. By taking Mezim for a long time and uncontrollably, you can provide yourself with excess uric acid (which is especially important for patients with gout).

Thus, taking medication for pancreatitis is appropriate, but requires a rational approach.

Mezim interacts with other medications in a unique way, so consider the information before taking Mezim for pancreatitis.

When taking the medicine together with antacid drugs like Almagel, Maalox, you need to take a certain break - it’s better if it’s a couple of hours. This should be done so that the effectiveness of Mezim does not weaken.

When combining Mezim and the drug with iron, also observe a certain time interval. Only after two hours can you take the medicine, since the distinctive property of pancreatin is to reduce the absorption of iron.

Mezim has a weakening effect on some tablet antidiabetic drugs. Diabetes sufferers must take this fact into account.

It is strongly recommended not to mix medications with each other. The body's reaction can be unpredictable and lead to unpleasant health consequences. Each drug is unique and requires detailed study when used.

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An overdose will be manifested by increased adverse reactions, and an allergy may develop. Children may become constipated. To eliminate the consequences, stop taking the drug and carry out symptomatic treatment.

Karina, 28 years old, Krasnodar

We always have Mezim in our first aid kit. I don’t take it every day, but if there’s a feast coming up, I always take a few tablets. It helps when you overeat – it removes the feeling of heaviness.

Yuri, 47 years old, Samara

Helps with heartburn. It’s the only way I can be saved.

Larisa Petrovna, 65 years old, Kemerovo

I have chronic pancreatitis, so I take Mezim on an ongoing basis. I am satisfied with the medicine, as it acts quickly, literally 20-30 minutes after administration. There were never any side effects.

Katerina, 34 years old, Omsk

I used to take Pancreatin. It costs much less, which was a definite plus. But I took it 4-5 tablets at a time, which I didn’t like. Now I drink Mezim. It is more expensive, but the dosage is less. I take 1 tablet.

Despite the fact that this drug is not a prescription drug, that is, it is freely sold in pharmacies, this does not mean that a person can prescribe treatment for himself.

Treatment with Mezim usually occurs without any consequences. It is well tolerated and complications are rare. However, it is important to remember that it is indicated only for the chronic form of this disease.

Based on the mechanism of acute pancreatitis, taking Mezim can only worsen the situation, because the patient already suffers from intoxication with his own proteolytic enzymes.

This drug is also prohibited for children under 3 years of age. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should be aware that no studies have been conducted to show that this medication is safe for their baby. Therefore, in any case, it will be a risk for him.

If a patient has an allergic reaction to this drug, he must remember that not only Mezim is prohibited, but also all other analogs that contain the active ingredient pancreatin. Among them are Creon, Panzinorm, Mikrasim, Pangrol, etc.

Patients with diabetes should remember that the drug Mezim complicates the absorption of hypoglycemic drugs. For this reason, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood sugar levels with a glucometer, and if the desired numbers are not achieved, you should consult an endocrinologist to adjust the dose.

Myths and realities

Few drugs cause as many rumors and controversy as the familiar bright pink Mezim tablets. What can you believe and what is just idle fiction? Let's try to figure it out.

Myth 1. Mezim is absolutely harmless.

Truth: in principle, there are no completely harmless drugs, since any of them can cause an allergic reaction. By uncontrollably consuming Mezim for a long time, you may encounter a phenomenon such as the accumulation of excess amounts of uric acid in the blood. This is especially important for patients suffering from gout.

Myth 2. Taking Mezim helps you lose weight.

Truth: do not confuse this drug with fat burners! Mezim only improves digestion, while a wisely selected set of physical activity and a balanced diet can help restore a slim figure.

Myth 3. More expensive foreign Mezim is more effective than domestic pancreatin.

Truth: In fact, the difference between one and another drug can only be felt by a person with unusually heightened sensitivity. In addition, more expensive foreign drugs are much more likely to be falsified than their cheaper Russian counterparts. It follows from this that Mezim undoubtedly helps most patients improve the digestion process, but you shouldn’t expect any unusual side effects from the drug, and if you managed to lose a few extra pounds while taking the medicine, you can find a simple explanation for this - split, low-calorie meals , prescribed for pancreatitis, just helps you lose weight.

How to take mezim correctly?

Usually a single dose is from 2 to 4 tablets. Part of the drug should be taken at the beginning of a meal, so that by the time the bulk of the food gruel enters the duodenum, an optimal environment for digestion has been created. The rest of the dose is taken during meals. The tablets should not be chewed or crushed, washed down with a sufficient amount of water, at least 1/3 glass - clean, non-carbonated, non-alkaline. After eating, you should not lie down - in order for the digestion process to proceed actively, the taken tablets move through the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, and do not stick to the wall of the stomach.

Indications for use of mezim

Chronic pancreatitis, occurring with exocrine insufficiency, without exacerbation.
Gastritis with reduced secretory function of the stomach.
Preparation for examinations of the abdominal organs - ultrasound and x-ray, within three days before the procedure.
Expected diet violation (overeating, too fatty foods).
Difficulties with digestion: due to surgical intervention on the stomach (resection), impaired chewing function, forced bed rest.

Mezim contraindications

They are the same for all pancreatin preparations:

Acute pancreatitis.
Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.
Intolerance to the drug as a whole or its individual components.
Children under 3 years of age (due to the indivisibility of the dosage form).

Some features of interaction with other drugs

The interval between taking Mezim and antacid drugs (Almagel, Maalox) is at least an hour and a half, otherwise the effect of the first will be weakened.
When taking iron supplements, an interval of at least two hours must also be observed, since pancreatin reduces its absorption.
Mezim weakens the effect of some tablet antidiabetic drugs, which should be taken into account by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Chronic intake of pancreatin slows down the absorption of folic acid, which can lead to the development of folate deficiency anemia. There is a special test that allows you to monitor the level of this vitamin in the blood and, if necessary, prescribe it in tablet form.

Some misconceptions about mezim

“Mezim helps you lose weight.” Mezim helps to digest food better and more completely. A balanced diet and proper exercise help you lose weight.
“Mezim is a harmless drug.” Any drug can cause allergic reactions. Long-term uncontrolled use of the drug leads to excess uric acid in the blood, this should be remembered by patients with gout.
“Mezim is more expensive than domestic pancreatin, so it is better.” The difference in sensations from taking Pancreatin and Mezim is purely subjective. In addition, we should not forget that popular, actively sold drugs are more often counterfeited than cheap domestic ones.

I have been treating patients since 1988. Including pancreatitis. I talk about the disease, its symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment, prevention, diet and regimen.

Features of using Mezim

Before using the drug for the treatment of pancreatitis, it is advisable to read the instructions and draw appropriate conclusions if the doctor has prescribed complex treatment to the patient.

Pancreatin in mezim reduces the absorption of iron when taken simultaneously with iron-containing drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the regime: the interval between doses should be two to three hours.

Another distinctive feature of mezim: its effect will be reduced if the medicine is taken together with antacids (Maalox, Almagel). In this case, you should also observe a break of two hours between doses.

When a patient suffers from diabetes and is taking antidiabetic tablets, mezim will reduce the effectiveness of these medications.

Pancreatic drugs slow down the absorption of folic acid in the body. Due to prolonged co-administration, hemoglobin may drop and anemia may develop. The doctor is required to monitor changes in the body by prescribing appropriate tests during treatment.

Each person’s body is so individual that it is not always possible to predict a reaction to different medications. This should be taken into account when using medications together. In case of unforeseen conditions and symptoms, you should stop taking the medications and consult your doctor for advice.

Side effects

After taking the drug Mezim, adverse reactions can occur immediately and are manifested by sneezing, tearing, skin rashes, and bronchospasm. Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits that occur while taking the drug are also adverse reactions to the drug. In addition, the patient may develop allergies.

The medication does not affect a person’s psychomotor reactions and perceptions, and therefore does not affect driving.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for taking Mezim:

gastritis;
chronic pancreatitis;
cystic fibrosis;
pancreatic dysfunction;
intestinal infections of various origins;
eating fatty foods;
violation of diet and overeating;
disruption of the digestive process due to surgery;
preparation for ultrasound and x-rays.

Contraindications:

acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of the chronic form;
allergy to elements of the drug;
individual intolerance to pancreatin;
children up to three years of age.

It’s strange, but this particular drug causes a lot of talk and controversy. It is considered both a fat burner and a real vitamin complex. Who should you believe and what should you not listen to?

Mezim is also effective for pancreatitis and cholecystitis due to the similarity of the symptoms of the diseases.

It is impossible to say that the drug does not cause any harm, since every drug has side effects. By taking Mezim for a long time and uncontrollably, you can provide yourself with excess uric acid (which is especially important for patients with gout).

Thus, taking medication for pancreatitis is appropriate, but requires a rational approach.

Contraindications

Most patients tolerate Mezim without any negative consequences, so it is contraindicated, mainly for people hypersensitive to its components. In addition, Mezim, like all enzyme preparations, is not used during periods of exacerbation. It is prescribed only after particularly severe symptoms of the disease have been relieved. This remedy is also used in cases where, after a strict diet, the patient is allowed to expand his diet in order to better tolerate certain foods.

Pregnant women should not take this remedy, especially in the first trimester, when taking any medication can negatively affect the development of the child. Starting from the second trimester, Mezim can be taken to relieve nausea, heaviness and pain in the stomach, as well as facilitate the process of digesting food. However, taking it on your own, at the first signs of deterioration in health, is extremely dangerous. As in any other case, before you start taking Mezim, you should consult your doctor. Only an experienced specialist can correctly calculate the dosage of the drug in order to minimize the risk to the unborn baby.

Mezim is also contraindicated for children under three years of age - not so much because the components included in it can harm the health of young patients, but because of the tablet form of the drug, which significantly complicates the process of use. For older children, the dosage is calculated by the attending physician, taking into account the child’s daily diet.

Long-term use of Mezim is extremely undesirable. This can lead to the development of allergies to the components of the drug, and in exceptional cases – hyperuricosuria. People with symptoms of cystic fibrosis may develop strictures (narrowing) in the intestines.

There is currently no data on drug overdose.

In addition to patients intolerant to the drug, pregnant women and small children, Mezim can be taken by everyone, including drivers of personal and public vehicles, as well as persons whose professional activities involve operating high-precision devices.

Possibility of use

The instructions for use of Mezim do not contain clear instructions for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (BF). According to the information in it, the decision on the advisability of use in each specific case is made by the doctor. These items are not included in the list of contraindications, but there have been no sufficient studies conducted to confirm the safety of the drug for this category of patients.

During the period of bearing a child, women's appetite and taste preferences change. In the 1st trimester, due to toxicosis, it is significantly reduced or absent. The 2nd trimester (end) and 3rd trimester are periods of intense growth and development of the fetus, which causes an increase in appetite in pregnant women and increases the load on the digestive organs. The intake of large quantities of food forces the pancreas to work harder.

Compression of the organ by the enlarged uterus disrupts the blood supply, which causes a deficiency in the production of its own enzymes, which can be compensated for with the help of Mezim.

Physical activity is of great importance for the coordinated functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, not all women lead an active lifestyle during pregnancy. At the beginning of pregnancy, there are risks of its termination, and in the later stages, the size of the abdomen no longer allows intense movement, so there is a need to take medications that improve digestion.

Indications for prescribing Mezim to pregnant and nursing mothers may be:

chronic pancreatitis beyond the acute stage;
cystic fibrosis;
digestive disorders due to overeating or gastrointestinal diseases;
inflammatory processes in the liver, stomach, gall bladder (as part of complex therapy);
poor nutrition;
eating large amounts of fatty foods;
flatulence;
diarrhea;
preparation for ultrasound of the digestive organs.

How to take mezim correctly?

Indications for use of mezim

Chronic pancreatitis, occurring with exocrine insufficiency, without exacerbation.
Gastritis with reduced secretory function of the stomach.
Preparation for examinations of the abdominal organs - ultrasound and x-ray, within three days before the procedure.
Expected diet violation (overeating, too fatty foods).
Difficulties with digestion: due to surgical intervention on the stomach (resection), impaired chewing function, forced bed rest.

Mezim contraindications

They are the same for all pancreatin preparations:

Acute pancreatitis.
Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.
Intolerance to the drug as a whole or its individual components.
Children under 3 years of age (due to the indivisibility of the dosage form).

Some features of interaction with other drugs

The interval between taking Mezim and antacid drugs (Almagel, Maalox) is at least an hour and a half, otherwise the effect of the first will be weakened.
When taking iron supplements, an interval of at least two hours must also be observed, since pancreatin reduces its absorption.
Mezim weakens the effect of some tablet antidiabetic drugs, which should be taken into account by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Chronic intake of pancreatin slows down the absorption of folic acid, which can lead to the development of folate deficiency anemia. There is a special test that allows you to monitor the level of this vitamin in the blood and, if necessary, prescribe it in tablet form.

Some misconceptions about mezim

“Mezim helps you lose weight.” Mezim helps to digest food better and more completely. A balanced diet and proper exercise help you lose weight.
“Mezim is a harmless drug.” Any drug can cause allergic reactions. Long-term uncontrolled use of the drug leads to excess uric acid in the blood, this should be remembered by patients with gout.
“Mezim is more expensive than domestic pancreatin, so it is better.” The difference in sensations from taking Pancreatin and Mezim is purely subjective. In addition, we should not forget that popular, actively sold drugs are more often counterfeited than cheap domestic ones.

I have been treating patients since 1988. Including pancreatitis. I talk about the disease, its symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment, prevention, diet and regimen.

Which drug should I choose?

People experiencing problems with the gastrointestinal tract cannot always find time to consult a doctor, and when they see an advertisement, they ask themselves which drug to give preference to - “Pancreatin” or “Mezim”, believing that they are the same thing.

In any case, before starting active use, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Due to the fact that the drug contains different amounts of enzymes, it is necessary to obtain professional advice on what specific amount is needed in a particular case. If you take medications uncontrollably, you may encounter a situation where complications caused by incorrect use will consume much more time and money than a trip to the doctor.

Most often, “Pancreatin” is prescribed in cases of mild digestive upset, while “Mezim”, containing a larger amount of enzymes, is prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases specified in the instructions. However, it is important to remember that both of these drugs cannot be a panacea in case of serious or acute illnesses; the patient will require comprehensive, professional treatment. You can also find out on our website Creon or Mezim, which is better.

In other words, regardless of which drug looks more attractive, for everyone concerned about the health of their gastrointestinal tract, one decision will be correct - first visit a doctor.

Reviews from doctors

Yaroslav, Moscow

“I recommend Mezim to all my patients who have been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. I prefer to start taking this drug with small doses - one tablet half an hour before meals. I have not encountered any side effects; Mezim is well tolerated by patients of different age groups. But I would warn pregnant women and nursing mothers against taking this remedy: it is difficult to say how it can affect the child.”

Anna, Rostov-on-Don

“I rarely prescribe Mezim, mainly to older patients who trust old, proven remedies more. True, it has almost no side effects and is well tolerated, but now there are so many wonderful new drugs, and much more effective, that there has long been no need to use only Mezim.”