Use of Digestive Enzyme Preparations

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J Korean Med Assoc. 2003;46(2):124-128

Publication date (electronic) : 2003 February 28

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2003.46.2.124

Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea. hwan444@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

The digestive enzyme preparations are one of the most widely used drugs in Korea. However, it is rather misused or abused. Pancreatic enzyme supplement is only indicated for pancreatic insufficiency, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomized patients.

Pancreatic insufficiency causes malabsorption, most commonly manifested by steatorrhea. However, malabsorption symptoms are not apparent until the pancreas secretes less than 5% of its maximal secretory capacity, Which means that the use of enzyme preparations are very limited and should be prescribed after careful functional study of the pancreas.

In Korea, however, digestive enzyme preparations are OTC drugs and furthermore, laymen's organizations insist that the digestive enzymes be sold freely in supermarkets. The concept about the use of digestive enzymes should be changed, and their proper use by physicians as well as laymen must be emphasized.

Keywords: Digestant; Digestive enzymes; Pancreatic insufficiency; Malabsorption; Dysepsia

References

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4. DiMagno EP, Go VLW, Summerskill WHJ. Relationship between pancreatic enzyme outputs and malabsorption in severe pancreatic insufficiency. New Engl J Med 1973. 288813–815.

5. Kraisinger M, Hochhaus G, Stecenko A, Bowser E, Hendeles L. Clinical pharmacology of pancreatic enzymes in patients with cystic fibrosis and in vitro performance of microencapsulated formulations. J Clin Pharmacol 1994. 34158–166.

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