Pancreatic enzyme supplements
**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.
Mecanismo: 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.
Dosificación por especie
- 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 · Lypex capsules must be opened and contents sprinkled in with food. Follow dosing with food or water.
- 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 · Lypex capsules must be opened and contents sprinkled in with food. Follow dosing with food or water.
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para veterinarios colegiados. Confirme siempre con la ficha técnica vigente y el paciente individual.
Vías de administración
Efectos adversos
- 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)
Interacciones farmacológicas
- Antacids (magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate) · May diminish the effectiveness of the pancreatic enzymes · moderate
Monitorización
- Faecal consistency and volume
- Body weight and body condition score
- Serum cobalamin (Vitamin B12) and folate levels
Sobredosis
High doses may cause **diarrhoea** and signs of **gastrointestinal cramping**. Reduce dose if these signs occur.
La referencia de fármacos de VetSheet está destinada a veterinarios colegiados como apoyo a la decisión clínica, no sustituye el juicio profesional ni la ficha técnica vigente del fabricante.