Pancreatic enzyme supplements
Pancreatin / Pancrelipase
Also known as: Lypex · Panzym · Pro-Enzorb · Pancrelipase · Pancreatic enzymes
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) | Use manufacturer's recommendations initially. Adjust to obtain normal faeces. Reduce gradually over 7 days to find minimally effective dose. | PO | with every meal | Lifelong | 🌍 EU |
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): Lypex capsules must be opened and contents sprinkled in with food. Follow dosing with food or water.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) | Use manufacturer's recommendations initially. Adjust to obtain normal faeces. Reduce gradually over 7 days to find minimally effective dose. | PO | with every meal | Lifelong | 🌍 EU |
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): Lypex capsules must be opened and contents sprinkled in with food. Follow dosing with food or water.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Pancreatic enzyme supplements are exogenous replacement therapies used to control clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). These supplements contain a mixture of lipase, protease, and amylase.
Clinical Pearl: Efficacy may be significantly augmented by concurrent vitamin B12 (cobalamin) therapy to address associated hypocobalaminaemia. Concomitant administration of acid blockers is generally not cost-effective, and there is no requirement for pre-incubation of the enzymes with food prior to feeding. Fresh raw or fresh-frozen pig pancreas can also be an effective alternative, though availability and pathogen risks limit its use.
Mechanism of action
Provides exogenous replacement of pancreatic enzymes:
- Lipase → hydrolyses dietary triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Protease → cleaves peptide bonds to break down dietary proteins.
- Amylase → hydrolyses complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. These actions restore digestive capability in the small intestine, facilitating nutrient absorption and resolving maldigestion.
Safety & warnings
Adverse effects
- Contact dermatitis of the lips (with powdered non-coated enzymes)
- Offensive body/fecal odour
- Oral or oesophageal ulcers (with non-coated enzymes)
- Diarrhoea (at high doses)
- GI cramping (at high doses)
Precautions
Handler Safety: Powder spilled on hands should be washed off immediately to prevent skin irritation. Avoid inhaling powder as it causes mucous membrane irritation and may trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. These risks are generally not associated with enteric-coated granules.
Patient Safety: Non-coated pancreatic enzymes may cause oral or oesophageal ulcers; dosing must always be followed with food or water.
Drug interactions
May diminish the effectiveness of the pancreatic enzymes
Monitoring
- Faecal consistency and volume
- Body weight and body condition score
- Serum cobalamin (Vitamin B12) and folate levels
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Enzymes act locally in the gastrointestinal tract and are not absorbed intact into the systemic circulation.
Distribution
Confined to the gastrointestinal lumen.
Metabolism
Digested and degraded by other enzymes and bacteria in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Elimination
Excreted in the faeces.
Overdose
High doses may cause diarrhoea and signs of gastrointestinal cramping. Reduce dose if these signs occur.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral powder (non-enteric-coated)
- Enteric-coated tablets
- Capsules (containing enteric-coated granules)
Veterinary
- Lypex (capsules)
- Pancreatic Enzyme for cats and dogs
- Panzym
- Pro-Enzorb
Human-labeled
- Creon
- Pancrex
Regulatory status
Available as AVM-GSL in some regions
Classified as AVM-GSL (Authorised Veterinary Medicine - General Sales List)
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep containers tightly closed to protect from moisture.
Client information
Administration: Mix the prescribed amount of powder or capsule contents thoroughly with your pet's food for every meal. There is no need to let the food 'sit' or pre-incubate before feeding. Ensure your pet drinks water or eats food immediately after to wash the enzymes down and prevent mouth sores.
Safety Warning: Wash your hands after handling the powder to avoid skin irritation. Do not inhale the powder, as it can irritate your airways or trigger asthma.
Expectations: This is typically a lifelong treatment. Your vet will help you find the lowest effective dose based on your pet's stool quality and weight gain.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.