Pharmacology and toxicology of pancreatic enzyme enteric-coated capsules

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is required when pancreatic exocrine secretion is insufficient. Otherwise, the patient's digestive function will be significantly reduced. The oral preparation of pancreatic enzymes enables the different components of food to be fully digested into absorbable small molecular fragments, such as fats by lipase, carbohydrates by amylase, and proteins by protease. Pancreatic enzyme capsules dissolve within minutes after being taken orally into the stomach, followed by the release of hundreds of enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme ultramicroscopic particles. The enteric coating protects the pancreatic enzymes from degradation or inactivation by the strongly acidic gastric juices. The multi-micron capsule format allows the capsule contents to mix well with the food, which in turn allows the pancreatic enzymes released from the micronized particles to be evenly distributed in the surimi. The particle size of the chow and undigested solid components determines, to some extent, the rate at which they are emptied in the stomach. The size of the pancreatic enzyme ultramicron particles (0.7-1.6 mm) best ensures that the ultramicron particles and the chyme are emptied synchronously into the duodenum. Patients should always ensure adequate fluid intake, especially during periods of increased fluid loss, as otherwise constipation may be exacerbated.