Pharmacological action of Creon
Pancreatic enzymes, which are the active component of Creon, help facilitate the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, which significantly improves their absorption in the small intestine.
The mechanism of action of Creon is the mixing of pancreatin mini-microspheres with intestinal contents. After the minimicrospheres reach the small intestine, at a pH level greater than 5.5, the enteric membrane is destroyed. Due to the release of pancreatic enzymes with amylolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic activity, a more complete breakdown of food components (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) occurs.
The benefits of Creon for gastrointestinal problems
Creon is part of the pharmacological group of enzyme preparations. Obtained by processing dried beef and pork pancreas. the medicine does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but replenishes the lost essential enzymes that absorb food nutrients and vitamins.
The main component is pancreatin - a mixture of amylase (for the breakdown of carbohydrates), protease (for processing proteins) and lipase (the main enzyme that ensures the supply of fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, K, E, D). The benefits of the drug are determined by the significance of these substances: restoration of the body’s energy balance, activation of tissue healing processes, stimulation of the immune system. And in relation to digestive disorders - cessation of flatulence, normalization of stool, elimination of pain.
The uniqueness of Creon lies in its form of manufacture: small granules, also coated, are enclosed in a gelatin capsule. They pass through the stomach without changes. Dissolution begins only in the duodenum, since an alkaline environment is needed. Increased acidity of gastric juice does not play a role. The granules are well distributed evenly from the small to the large intestine and ensure the digestion of food throughout.
Release form and composition
The medication is produced in the form of enteric hard capsules containing light brown mini-microspheres - pancreatin (active component):
- Creon 10000 – containing 150 mg of pancreatin (which corresponds to 10,000 units of Ph.Eur. lipase);
- Creon 25000 – containing 300 mg of pancreatin (which corresponds to 25,000 units of Ph.Eur. lipase);
- Creon 40000 – containing 400 mg of pancreatin (which corresponds to 40,000 units of Ph.Eur. lipase).
When using the medication for children, it should be taken into account that Creon 1000 is not produced, and in pediatrics they use Creon 10000, the dose of which is calculated by the doctor based on the age and body weight of the child.
The medicine is produced in bottles of 20, 50 and 100 pieces.
Indications for use of Creon
For adults and children, Creon is prescribed according to the instructions as replacement therapy in the treatment of insufficiency of exocrine pancreatic function due to:
- Chronic pancreatitis;
- Conditions after gastrectomy;
- Cystic fibrosis;
- Shwachman-Diamond syndrome;
- Obstruction of the pancreatic duct or common bile duct;
- Conditions after pancreatic surgery;
- Partial gastrectomy;
- Conditions caused by age-related changes;
- Pancreatic cancer.
Creon is also prescribed as symptomatic therapy for digestive disorders:
- With partial resection of the stomach;
- Against the background of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine;
- In conditions after cholecystectomy;
- With duodeno- and gastrostasis;
- Against the background of total gastrectomy;
- For cirrhosis of the liver and pathologies of the terminal part of the small intestine;
- Against the background of cholestatic hepatitis;
- For biliary obstruction.
Storage
In order to avoid deactivation of the enzymes contained in the capsule, it must be stored in a place protected from direct sunlight. It is also necessary to exclude children from accessing the drug.
The instructions for use of the drug Creon are quite simple and clear. Almost everyone can figure out how to take the drug and what indications exist for it. Pancreatic diseases are quite common today. They are accompanied by a lack of enzymes, which is what Creon helps with.
Directions for use and dosage
Creon is taken orally in doses determined by the doctor individually. They depend on the severity of the disease, as well as the diet followed during this period.
According to the instructions, Creon should be taken with or immediately after meals, including light snacks, with plenty of water. Lack of fluid taken during therapy can lead to the development or worsening of constipation.
A single dose of Creon for adults can vary from 25,000 to 80,000 Ph units. Eur lipase during the main meal and half as much during light snacks.
An overdose of Creon can lead to the development of hyperuricuria and hyperuricemia, in the event of which symptomatic treatment is carried out, and the medication is also temporarily discontinued.
When Creon is used in high doses against the background of cystic fibrosis, fibrosing colonopathy may develop. As a rule, this does not happen when taking the medication in minimal doses, for example Creon 10000 (since Creon 1000 is not produced).
Children under 4 years of age are usually prescribed 1000 lipase units (not to be confused with Creon 1000) per 1 kg of body weight at the beginning of treatment, and 500 lipase units for younger children.
If children have difficulty swallowing Creon capsules, they are carefully opened and the contents are mixed with liquid, sour-tasting food that does not require additional chewing, for example, fruit juice or applesauce.
It should be remembered that the contents of the capsules cannot be mixed with hot foods and drinks, and the resulting mixture cannot be stored.
Due to the lack of clinical data on the use of Creon during pregnancy and lactation, the possibility of prescribing a medication is decided individually by the attending physician.
CREON 10000 (capsules)
65 hryvnia.
In general, after drinking for a while, I can draw my own conclusions, which I will share with you. This drug has a rather small package, in which there are two plates of 10 capsules each, as I already said, if you wish, you can buy one plate each, but when you need to undergo a course of treatment, you still need to buy it. Already on the front side of the package you can see the contents, which are familiar to everyone , the active ingredient is pancreatin, which is contained in drugs to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; here its content is 150 milligrams. On the side of the package are the contacts of the manufacturer - Germany
On the back of the package the composition of one capsule containing the main substance, as well as other auxiliary components, is indicated. Also here are some storage conditions for the drug, the license number is indicated, as well as the note: “Dispensed without a prescription”
On the side of the package lid is the serial number and expiration date until 07.2020
Of course, all the more detailed information is in the instructions contained in the package; it also contains a small plate with capsules
The instructions are a must for studying. By the way, it is not bulky (in the photo it is folded into two sheets) and contains mainly information about the effect of the drug in the use of a particular dosage, since the drug is available in different forms and has different contents of enzyme substances
Indications for the use of the drug are also clearly indicated and separately for each prescribed case of use its own dosage is written with possible side effects
As for side effects, of course they exist, like many drugs, but they are all kept to a minimum and occur only if the dosage is incorrectly selected. This drug is also allowed to be taken by children from birth, but again, all recommendations and dosage in such cases are prescribed by the pediatrician. Let me return to the drug itself, which in addition to the large packaging has a small blister, which is soft in its strength and completely inconvenient for obtaining capsules
The expiration date and the manufacturer's series must be re-indicated on the blister - this is very convenient when you have to store or buy the drug without packaging
The capsules with the drug look quite ordinary, the shape and size are standard. On one side the capsule is brown in color, on the reverse it is transparent, through which the drug granules are visible. This form of the drug is convenient for use by any patient, since it is possible to open the capsule and dissolve the contents in liquid, but it is better to take it in capsules
At first, I needed to take this drug constantly with every meal. You can take it either 30 minutes before or with food, be sure to wash it down with the right amount of water; in my case, alkaline water was recommended (regular Polyana Kvasova, only without gas). For those who know what gastritis is, you are probably familiar with such an unpleasant feeling and heaviness in the stomach, as from overeating, but only these sensations during the period of exacerbation and the course of this disease can manifest themselves even from a sip of water, I generally keep quiet about food, because problems with appetite and further unpleasant consequences do not add optimism in treatment. With each intake of Creon Abbot 10000 capsules, all the unpleasant sensations of heaviness and fullness in the stomach disappear in the shortest possible time. The drug begins to act literally from the first minutes of administration. Within 10 minutes, significant relief is felt, followed by an increasing positive effect. My drug intake for the first three days was with every meal, no matter what, even with a piece of stale bread. Further, the intake was reduced to one capsule per day, during the lunch period, for three weeks. The effectiveness of the drug is felt, and the main thing is that it works quickly, or rather faster and somehow more gentle than the same “Pancreatin Forte” (I bought a tablet of it for comparison, but it caused severe dry mouth). I did not feel any side effects from taking the drug. Of course, its significant disadvantage is the price, but sometimes it is worth spending more to achieve a faster effect in treatment, especially when the disease brings a lot of inconvenience in life. I rate the effectiveness of the drug Creon Abbot 10000 in capsules as excellent, the minus is the price and the blister pack, but otherwise, if you encounter taking it, be sure to consult your doctor.
Side effects of Creon
Creon, according to reviews and results of clinical trials, does not lead to unwanted disorders from the body systems.
In some cases, disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract may occur. Most often, according to reviews, Creon causes abdominal pain, somewhat less often - constipation or diarrhea, bloating, changes in stool, nausea and vomiting. However, in most cases this is not due to the medication taken, but to the underlying disease.
In cases of use of Creon at a dose of more than 10,000 lipase units/kg/day, it is recommended to monitor changes occurring in the abdominal cavity and unusual symptoms.
In some cases, taking Creon, according to reviews, can lead to hypersensitivity reactions and mild allergic skin reactions, mainly in the form of a rash.
Drug interactions
Creon 10000 is an enzyme preparation. By replenishing their deficiency, it is able to improve digestion and normalize the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Pancreatic enzymes, participating in metabolism, help proteins break down into amino acids, fats are converted into glycerol and fatty acids, carbohydrates into monosaccharides. This is due to components such as lipase, chymotrypsin, alpha-amylase and trypsin.
- after entering the stomach, the capsule shell dissolves;
- microspheres are released and enter the intestines;
- in the intestine they mix with its contents;
- in the small intestine, the shell of the microspheres is destroyed;
- fats, proteins and carbohydrates are broken down.
The shell of the microspheres does not dissolve under the action of gastric juice, which allows the drug to achieve the desired goal.
The released enzymes have a number of functions:
- lipolytic;
- amylolytic;
- proteolytic.
Interaction with other drugs has not been established.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation and diarrhea are rarely observed. Epigastric discomfort and nausea may occur. Sometimes allergic reactions occur in the form of rash, itching and irritation.
In addition, the following reactions may occur:
- from the skin reaction (more often in children): allergic rashes, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, itching;
- from the immune system: sensitivity to the components of the drug, anaphylactic reaction;
- from the genitourinary system: with long-term use in large doses - hyperuricosuria.
Important! If side effects occur as a result of taking the drug, you should immediately stop therapy and consult a doctor for advice.
A qualified specialist will be able to change the dosage or prescribe another drug to continue treatment.
Contraindications
- acute inflammation of the pancreas at the initial stage of the disease;
- intolerance to the components of the drug;
- pancreatitis in chronic form.
Use with caution during pregnancy and feeding.
Pregnancy
Caution during pregnancy is due to the fact that clinical trials on the effects of the drug on pregnant women have not been carried out.
In this regard, it is recommended to take Creon during pregnancy strictly under the supervision of a doctor and in small doses.
To avoid troubles while taking the drug and not to ask the eternal question - how to take Creon - you need to carefully monitor the body's reactions to the introduction of additional enzymes.