Overeating, alcohol, physical inactivity lead to digestive disorders. Symptoms such as heaviness in the stomach, flatulence, and constipation appear. In this case, enzyme preparations are prescribed, which include Mezim and Festal. What is the difference between these medications? What is better Festal or Mezim?
Festal and Mezim are enzyme preparations that promote better digestion of food
Why are enzyme preparations needed?
In the human body there are enzymes responsible for the breakdown and absorption of products, ensuring the breakdown of food in the gastrointestinal tract.
This brings:
- Discomfort,
- Unpleasant sensations
- Bloating
- Heaviness in the stomach.
To restore the exocrine function of the pancreas, the gastrointestinal tract is prescribed a course of enzyme preparations, which include Mezim and Festal.
They help cure:
- Cystic fibrosis,
- Chronic pancreatitis,
- Restore the functioning of the pancreas,
- Get rid of inflammatory-dystrophic diseases,
- Diseases of the digestive system.
The course of treatment effectively helps with complete or partial resection of the gastrointestinal tract , which causes dysfunction of the digestive system. Also, such drugs are often prescribed before an ultrasound examination of the digestive system.
Comparison of Festal and Mezim
The drugs are similar in many ways, but have a number of distinctive features. A comparative description of their pharmacological characteristics will help determine the choice of a suitable remedy.
Compound similarities
Festal and Mezim are medicines of animal origin. Their active composition is represented by digestive enzyme compounds. They contain the components of pancreatin:
- amylase, which breaks down polysaccharides;
- lipase, which is a catalyst for lipid hydrolysis;
- protease, which ensures the digestion of protein products.
Both drugs are available in oral form, have an enteric film coating that contains macrogol 6000 and titanium dioxide.
The similarity of the compositions ensures similar properties of the drugs:
- They compensate for the lack of corresponding enzymes in the body.
- They normalize the functioning of the pancreas, improve the quality of food digestion and optimize its absorption.
- Reduces the load on the gastrointestinal tract and the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
- Helps eliminate nausea, flatulence, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and pain.
- They are used as a course or occasionally for therapeutic and symptomatic assistance, as well as before performing an ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
- Prescribed by a doctor, can be used independently as needed (taking into account the recommended dosages).
- They can cause similar side effects: nausea, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, increased urea concentration, allergic manifestations.
- Non-toxic, used from 3 years of age.
What is the difference
The dosage of pancreatic enzymes in Festal is higher. It contains more active ingredients. In addition to pancreatic enzymes, it contains ox bile extract and hemicellulase. This expanded composition makes it possible to have a complex effect on the structures of the digestive system, stimulate the natural secretion of the corresponding enzymes, and more effectively eliminate existing symptoms.
This drug contains sodium chloride as an auxiliary component. Its film coating is made from a mixture of:
- cellulose acetophthalate;
- gelatin;
- pharmaceutical talc;
- methyl and propylparabens;
- polyethylene glycol;
- castor oil;
- gum arabic;
- glycerin;
- calcium carbonate;
- titanium dioxide;
- dextrose/glucose;
- sucrose;
- vanilla flavoring.
The core of Mezim tablets, in addition to enzymes, contains microcellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate and colloidal form of silicon dioxide. The protective shell consists of simethicone, macrogol, polyacrylate and dyes (E122, E171).
Unlike Mezim, Festal additionally replenishes biliary insufficiency, stimulates the secretion of bile, activates fat metabolism, improves the absorption of certain vitamin compounds, and suppresses gas formation in the intestines. However, it has a greater number of contraindications. Mezim is not applicable only in case of hypersensitivity, acute manifestations of pancreatitis, pregnancy, lactation and in early childhood, and Festal is also not prescribed in the presence of:
- liver failure, hepatitis;
- cholelithiasis;
- increased levels of bilirubin in plasma;
- diseases of the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux;
- cholelithiasis, cholestasis;
- empyema of the gallbladder;
- intestinal obstruction;
- tendency to diarrhea.
In addition to the side effects characteristic of drugs with pancreatin, Festal can provoke heartburn, intestinal colic, damage to the oral mucosa, and irritation of the anal area in children.
Mezim is produced in Germany. These are pink tablets with a specific odor. They are packaged in blisters of 20 pcs. Take in consultation with your doctor immediately before meals. Festal is an Indian-made medicine. It is produced in the form of white dragees with vanilla flavor, which are placed in 10 pieces. into aluminum strips. Used with food or immediately after finishing a meal.
Price
Differences in the composition of drugs and the place of production provide a difference in their price. Mezim costs less - on average 71 rubles. for 20 coated tablets. The minimum price of Festal is 128 rubles. for 20 tablets.
Mezim
Multienzyme remedy “Mezim”, which promotes digestion, eliminates dysfunction and inoperability of the digestive organs.
Composition and release form
The medicine "Mezim" includes the following components (1 tablet):
- Pig pancreas powder – 93.33-107.69 mg,
- Cellulose,
- Sodium starch glycolate "A"
- Hypromelose,
- Talc and much more.
The pancreas, which is part of Mezim, has minimal activity:
- Lipolytic,
- Amylolytic,
- Proteolytic.
"Mezim" is available in the form of food-coated tablets. Mezim tablets have a pale pink tint, have a cylindrical shape with a plane-parallel surface and a bevel on the edge.
Features of application
“Mezim” has its own characteristics of administration, pharmacological properties, thanks to which the course of treatment and dosage are prescribed.
Indications for use
The main ingredient “Mezim” is not absorbed in the stomach, but does not cause any harm; pancreatin is excreted in feces.
Most of the Mezim component is dissolved and processed together with food in the stomach. This occurs due to the high activity of gastric juices and bacteria.
"Mezim" is prescribed for simultaneous use in case of difficult digestion of animal and plant foods, exotic, unusual foods.
Reception features
Active enzymes “Mezim”, entering the body, immediately begin to act. But it is recommended not to try to chew Mezim tablets in the mouth; the coating can damage the integrity of the oral cavity, even leading to the appearance of ulcers. Therefore, it is recommended to swallow Mezim tablets.
During pregnancy, you can use the drug "Mezim" , but it would be useful to have a preliminary consultation with your doctor.
Advantages and disadvantages of the drug
The inherent advantages of the drug "Mezim" are:
- Impact effectiveness. The drug "Mezim" eliminates almost all possible symptoms.
- Efficiency of action. Stomach problems can strike at the most unpredictable and inconvenient moments. 10-15 minutes after taking Mezim, bloating, heaviness and any other symptoms of stomach dysfunction will be eliminated.
- Mezim is approved for use during pregnancy and does not cause allergic reactions.
- It is possible to take Mezim while driving vehicles.
The disadvantages of Mezim include:
- A significant list of contraindications ; if you are individually intolerant to the Mezim component, nausea, vomiting and other painful and unpleasant symptoms may begin.
- Mezim is not approved for use in children under 3 years of age.
- " Mezim" treats and eliminates symptoms without affecting the very cause of their appearance.
Interaction with other drugs
It is not recommended with folic acid; this may lead to low absorption of the powder from the pancreas and, as a result, additional use of drugs to treat gastric dysfunction.
Also, the combined use of antidiabetic drugs, the basis of which is miglitol, acarbose, significantly reduces the effectiveness of taking the drug "Mezim".
Undesirable effects and cases of overdose
There are a number of side effects that can occur due to excessive consumption, individual intolerance to Mezim, or an incorrectly chosen treatment regimen.
In the area of the immune system's reaction to the drug "Mezim", the following side effects are distinguished:
- Hypersensitivity,
- Rashes and redness on the skin,
- Itching, burning,
- Severe lacrimation
- Bronchospasm,
- Tachycardia,
- Kropivnitsa,
- Hypermia of the skin,
- Heat,
- Weakness.
In the gastrointestinal tract, the following phenomena are distinguished:
- Discomfort and heaviness in the stomach,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Pain and much more.
An allergic reaction to the azorubine varnish contained in the composition may also occur.
The medicine "Mezim" is not recommended for use by children under 3 years of age, otherwise the temperature may rise and severe diarrhea may develop.
Under no circumstances should Mezim be consumed after the expiration date, otherwise nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fever may occur.
When using excessively high doses or using the wrong treatment regimen with Mezim, which contains powder from the pancreas of pigs, the following is observed:
- Hyperuricemia,
- Hyperuricosuria.
Admission rules
In order to avoid side effects and overdose, it is important to follow the instructions correctly, choose the course and dosage of treatment.
The medicine "Mezim" is prescribed for problems with the digestion of animal and plant foods and related problems, such as constipation, flatulence, bloating, etc.
For adults and children, the standard course of treatment involves taking 1-2 tablets once with meals.
The tablets cannot be chewed, they must be swallowed and washed down with plenty of water (250-300 ml). Adults can take an additional 2 tablets after 1 hour if the problem has not been resolved.
Important! The dosage and course of taking Mezim can be changed, depending on the characteristics of the food and the individual problem of the patient. This can only be done by a qualified doctor. The period of treatment with Mezim is determined by the doctor, depending on the individual order.
Price
Depending on the region and pharmacy chain, Mezim costs:
- 10 pieces. per package – from 110 to 140 rubles,
- 20 pcs. per package - from 250 to 300 rubles.
Patient reviews
Evgenia, 28 years old, Saratov: “A friend recommended Pancreatin as a means of breaking down fats and creating favorable conditions for digesting food after a heavy meal. I started taking 1-2 capsules after dinners with guests. The medicine helps well, is inexpensive and is sold in any pharmacy. A friend said that Festal works the same way. I tried it too, but after these pills the hemorrhoids worsen. I don’t know if this is due to the treatment or if something else is manifesting itself.”
Alexey, 44 years old, Moscow: “I have problems digesting food. The doctor prescribed Festal. It became much easier. There is no longer an unpleasant feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating. I try to always have pills with me. There are no side effects."
Festal
The drug "Festal" belongs to the group of multienzyme drugs designed to improve digestion and increase stomach fermentation.
Composition and release form
The dosage form of the drug “Festal” is a white dragee, round in shape, visually shiny and has a light vanilla aroma.
The basic elements of the composition that have an active effect on the digestive organs are the components:
- Ox bile powder, 0.025 g,
- Hemicellulase – 0.050 g,
- Pancreatin.
Additional substances contained in Festal include the following components:
- Ricin oil,
- Sucrose,
- Gelatin,
- Cellulose acetyl thalate,
- Methyl parahydroxybenzoate,
- Ppropyl parahydroxybenzoate, etc.
Features of application
The drug "Festal" includes effective enzymes that affect acceleration. This occurs by improving the digestion and breakdown of foods. Also, the drug "Festal" stimulates complete, rapid and effective absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
Ground ox bile extract helps:
- Speedy absorption of fat,
- Increased activity of the gastrointestinal tract,
- Stimulate absorption
- Breakdown of micronutrients.
The enzyme element hemicellulose promotes the digestion and breakdown of plant fiber, thereby eliminating heaviness and bloating.
Such properties of the drug improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate dysfunction of the digestive process.
The drug "Festal" effectively helps in improving the processes of breakdown and digestion in colitis, as well as:
- During intestinal resection,
- flatulence,
- Infectious diarrhea.
It is also a very effective solution for improving digestion in cases of metabolic and dietary disorders.
The drug "Festal" will help improve the digestion process in the following cases:
- Excessive overeating
- Eating fatty, fried and spicy foods,
- Eating exotic foods, unusual dishes,
- Irregular meals.
The drug "Festal" has a specially designed acid-resistant coating , therefore it is not absorbed, its action begins in the intestinal lumen. This technology of action prevents enzyme inactivation.
The most effective place for dissolving the membrane and releasing the drug is the area of the small intestine. This is what distinguishes Festal from analogue medicines.
The drug "Festal" is prescribed for therapeutic purposes during the recovery period with an extended diet. But in this case, you definitely need to consult a treating specialist.
When consuming more than 1000 units of lipase per 1 kg of patient weight, it is necessary to carefully monitor possible unusual symptoms and the occurrence of side effects.
The use of the drug "Festal" is allowed during pregnancy and lactation , but it is recommended to first consult with your doctor.
Advantages and disadvantages of the drug
Each drug, even the most effective one, has pros and cons.
Among the obvious advantages of using Festal are the following characteristics:
- The drug "Festal" is prescribed for effective long-term immobilization.
- A safe drug is often prescribed before an ultrasound examination of the gastrointestinal tract.
- In case of dysfunction of absorption and breakdown of elements , Festal is prescribed to improve the absorption of liquid crystal vitamins and medications such as antibiotics and sulfonamides.
- "Festal" is offered for sale without a prescription and is available for self-medication.
- "Festal" does not affect the ability to think sensibly and drive vehicles.
The main disadvantages of using Festal include:
- With excessive uncontrolled consumption, intestinal obstruction or intestinal strictures may develop.
- Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, uric acid stones may occur.
- The coating of the drug is hard enough to chew and can damage the soft tissues of the oral cavity, so the drug must be swallowed and washed down with plenty of water.
- "Festal" is not approved for use by children and adolescents.
- The drug "Festal" is not recommended for use by patients with intolerance to sucrose and fructose, as well as with glucose-galactase malabsorption syndrome.
Contraindications for use
Among the main contraindications for use it is worth noting:
- Individual sensitivity to the components of the drug,
- Acute hepatitis,
- Jaundice,
- Acute pancreatitis,
- Exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Interaction with other drugs
With the simultaneous use of the following drugs, the effectiveness of Festal is significantly reduced:
- Medicines against thrombosis,
- Antihistamines,
- Vitamins of group “K”,
- Antisalicylic acid.
It is also not recommended to take this drug together with non-selective neuronal feedback inhibitors.
Taking the drug "Festal" and M-anticholinergic blockers significantly increases the anticholineergic effect. The absorption effect and hypoglycemic effect of acarbose may also be significantly reduced.
M-anticholinergics, when used simultaneously with Festal, significantly reduce the absorption and breakdown of iron; in this case, additional iron intake may be required.
The combined use of antacid medications that contain calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide may result in the exclusion of the action of active Festal enzymes.
Taking enzyme medications and tannin-based alcohol-containing drugs leads to minimizing the effectiveness of pancreatin.
And, conversely, the drug Cimetidine increases the effect of active enzymes "Festal".
Undesirable effects and cases of overdose
With excessive and uncontrolled use of Festal or individual intolerance to the components of the composition, side effects may increase. To treat this condition, the medication should be stopped immediately and hydration should be prescribed.
Among the main side effects of Festal are:
- The appearance of nausea and vomiting,
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating,
- Heaviness, discomfort,
- Flatulence,
- Stomach ache.
In addition, bowel movements often change their normal character, intestinal obstruction and irritation of the anus develop, especially when using too high a dosage.
With prolonged use of Festal, hypersensitivity may develop, as well as:
- Kropivnitsy,
- Angioedema,
- Skin rashes,
- Itching, burning.
With excessive use of Festal or an incorrect treatment regimen, swelling and irritation of the oral cavity, and the appearance of hypruricosuria, often develop.
The digestive aid contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate, which can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Admission rules
Adult patients are prescribed 1 tablet with 1 glass of water. You can use Festal only after meals. The medicine is not chewed, it is swallowed immediately.
If the effect of the drug does not help, the dose can be increased to 2 tablets. The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the degree of the disease and on average ranges from 2 days to several months.
Price
"Festal" is offered for free sale, the cost may vary depending on the region and pharmacy, on average it ranges from 120 to 150 rubles.
What is important to know about such medications?
To increase stomach fermentation and improve digestion, pancreatin is needed, which is contained in drugs such as Festal and Mezim. They restore any disorders of the digestive system, eliminate discomfort and pain.
The base of these drugs is the pancreas of cattle, therefore it is completely harmless and safe for humans. Additional substances such as propase, lipase and amylase stimulate the rapid breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
In addition to restoring the functions of the digestive organs, Festal and analogue medications stimulate the organs to work.
However, it is worth understanding that these are drugs of the medicinal group and can only act as therapy, not prophylaxis. Therefore, before use, consultation with a qualified physician is necessary.
Compound
What is the difference between Mezim and Festal? These drugs differ from each other, primarily in their composition.
The active substance of Mezim is pancreatin - an enzyme agent that is obtained from the pancreas of animals.
It contains the following enzymes:
- amylase, necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates;
- protease, which helps digest proteins;
- lipase, which is necessary for the absorption of lipids.
Mezim is produced in tablets that are coated with a pink enteric coating. The drug has a specific smell of pancreatin, which some people find not very pleasant.
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Festal has a more complex composition. One of the active components is also pancreatin. In addition to it, Festal contains 2 other active ingredients:
- hemicellulose, which helps break down fiber, not only improves digestion, but also reduces the amount of gas in the intestines;
- bile, which has choleretic properties, promotes the absorption of lipids, vegetable oils, fat-soluble vitamins, and activates the production of lipase by the pancreas.
Festal is produced in the form of white, round dragees, covered with a coating, which dissolves as soon as the medicine enters the intestines. The drug has a slight vanilla scent.
Which drug is better?
To understand which medicine is better, you need to weigh all the differences and similar characteristics.
The main difference is that the drug "Festal", in addition to the base component, includes hymecellulase and bovine bile, which is much better than the composition of "Mezim".
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the course of the disease, each patient chooses “Festal” or “Mezim”; in general, they are very similar.
The cost is quite affordable in both cases, the difference is that Mezim has a price that is 20-30 rubles cheaper.
Analogs
When choosing enzyme preparations to improve digestion and enzyme production, you can pay attention to the following analogues (substitutes) of the drugs Festal and Mezim:
- Adzhizim,
- Kreazim,
- Pancreatin,
- Ermital,
- Creon,
- Panzinorm,
- Enzibene and many others.
Adzhizim Enzibene Ermital Kreazim Creon Pancreatin Panzinorm
Indigestion is a problem, but you can cope with it using modern, effective medications, after consulting with your doctor.
