Digest Medicine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Introduction:

Digest medicine is the common term used to describe the medications prescribed to aid the breakdown and digestion of food for those whose pancreas cannot make or release enough digestive enzymes. It is used as a supplement or replacement pill containing digestive enzymes. Digest medicine is available as a tablet and as a capsule. The doctor will determine the use and directions.

The active ingredients in digestive medicine are naturally occurring digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, protease, and others. They are available as over-the-counter (do not require a prescription), while some specific others are prescription pills. Avoid taking this medication if allergic symptoms are experienced, and seek medical help immediately.

Drug Group:

Digest medicine belongs to the class of supplements called digestants or enzymes. The drugs coming under this class are primarily used as remedies to aid digestion in insufficiency of the pancreas, inflammation of the pancreas, cystic fibrosis (genetic disease affecting the lung, pancreas, and other organs), or other related conditions. Different strengths are available for this pill based on the composition of the number of digestive enzymes.

What Is Digestion?

Digestion is a normal physiological process in which food and drink are broken into smaller components and the body absorbs and uses energy, growth, and repair. The food is chewed in the mouth and mixed with the saliva and then passed through the food pipe and goes into the stomach. Enzymes and acids break down the complex molecules into simpler forms. The nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the cells throughout the body. The indigested food is passed into the large intestine and excreted as waste through feces.

What Is Digest Medicine Used For?

The body uses digestive enzymes to break down food's proteins, lipids, and carbs. This is required to ensure nutrition absorption and sustain optimum health. These nutrients in the diet are lost without these enzymes. The main organ responsible for the release of digestive enzymes in the pancreas is impaired or affected negatively in the following conditions:

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (inability of the pancreas to synthesize digestive enzymes, leading to poor nutrition and digestion).

• Cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder affecting the digestive system and lungs).

• Cyst in the pancreas.

• Pancreatic cancer.

• Pancreatic surgery.

Hence, to supplement the deficiency of these enzymes, digestive medicines are given.

How Does Digest Medicine Work?

The ability of the body to digest food and absorb nutrients is compromised when the pancreas does not naturally generate digestive enzymes. Malnutrition and symptoms like bloating, cramps, gassiness, and diarrhea may result.

In place of natural enzymes, replacement digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in food. The bloodstream's nutrients are then circulated throughout the body and absorbed through the small intestinal wall. Therefore, the replacement of digestive enzymes can aid in preventing malabsorption and associated gastrointestinal discomforts. Digestive enzymes help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS disorder affecting stomach and intestine) symptoms, such as gas and diarrhea.

The major constituents of digest medicine are as follows:

• Amylase: Starches, or carbs, are broken down into sugar molecules by this enzyme. Amylase deficiency can cause diarrhea.

• Protease: This enzyme is responsible for the digestion of proteins and breaks them down into amino acids.

• Lipase: Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. It functions along with the bile for the digestion of fats.

Onset of Action:

Digest medicines work similarly to naturally occurring enzymes. The onset of action is 20 to 25 minutes post-oral administration, and the pill's effect can last one to 1.15 hours.

Habit-Forming:

Digest medicine contains only natural digestive enzymes, and their use is not associated with habit-forming tendencies.

Expiry Date:

Do not take the pills past their expiry date. The expiry date will be available on the pill packet or at the back of the medication strip. People should read the expiry date before taking digestive medicine.

What Is the Dosage of Digest Medicine?

Digest medicines may be purchased over the counter without any prescription. However, the supplementation requires a prescription in case of severe deficiency, pancreatic surgery, or tumors. The doctor determines the pill dose and adjusts it per the patient's requirements. The dosage of digest medicine is described below:

• For a full meal, the starting dose is 500 lipase units/kilogram (kg) with each meal. The maximum dose is 2500 lipase units/kg.

• During snacks, half of the prescribed dose is for a full meal.

How to Use Digest Medicine?

Digest medicine must be taken during meals or right before eating.

Tablets:

• Be careful not to hold it in the mouth for too long because doing so can irritate the cheeks and gums.

• The drug should be taken with water. Chew the chewable tablets entirely before swallowing them.

Capsules:

• Swallow the capsule as a whole while taking the meals.

• If swallowing is a problem and taking the prescription in capsule form, open the capsule and mix the powder with some food or fluids.

General Information:

• The powder can irritate the inside of the nose or trigger an asthma attack, so take care not to inhale any of it.

• To get the most out of this drug, take the pill as directed.

• Do not switch the brands or dosage forms of the pill because the digestive enzymes may be available at varying levels depending on the product. Hence, the effect will be different.

Missed Dose:

In case a dose is missed, do not take double doses for the next meal. Just skip the missed pill and take the next dose as directed.

Overdose:

If the pill is taken greater than the required amount, and if unusual symptoms arise, seek emergency medical help immediately.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

The pills should be taken cautiously and only after consulting the doctor under the following conditions:

• Allergies: History of allergy to the pill or any of the components. Usually, prescription pills contain pork protein. Hence, let the physician know if allergies exist to the active or inactive ingredients of the supplements.

• Pancreatitis: Notify the doctor if there is a history of inflammation of the pancreas or if symptoms of pancreatic inflammation arise, like swelling or severe abdominal pain.

• Pregnancy: Consult the doctor before starting the pill. Caution is required.

• Breastfeeding: Notify the physician before taking the pill.

• Before Surgery: Inform the physician of taking the pills before any surgical procedures.

What Are the Side Effects of Digest Medicine?

The common side effects include

• Nausea.

• Abdominal pain.

• Vomiting.

• Cramps.

• Bloating.

• Gas.

• Flatulence.

These effects usually go on their own. However, if they become persistent or severe, seek medical help.

The serious side effects include

• Allergy to the pill (swelling, hives, and rashes).

• Severe abdominal discomfort.

• Joint pain.

• Painful urination.

Seek emergency help in case of severe side effects.

What Are the Interactions of Digest Medicine?

It is common for pills to interact with drugs or other supplements. These may result in unwanted side effects. Hence, it is required to check the possible interactions listed below:

1. With Drugs:

• Antacids.

• Acarbose.

• Miglitol.

2. With Alcohol: Digest medicine has not been reported with any interaction with alcohol.

3. With Food: No serious food interaction has been reported. However, there will be diet restrictions while taking the pill. Talk with the physician first. For high doses, the patients are advised to maintain proper hydration.

Conclusion:

Digest medicine plays a role in managing several digestive disorders and symptoms. These include antacids, prokinetics, and enzyme supplements. These help alleviate symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid, reducing acid production, and promoting gut motility. People should use this medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional to improve digestive health.