Ipental

Ipental is an enzyme medicine that stimulates digestive function and is used for the treatment or prevention of digestive disorders. The drug complements natural enzymes in the processes of food digestion.

The drug contains pancreatin, and its enzymatic elements are amylase with protease and lipase, which help activate the intestinal digestion of carbohydrates, as well as proteins with fats - mostly in the alkaline environment of the duodenum and the upper part of the small intestine. [ 1 ]

Protease helps to separate heavy protein fractions into peptides. Amylase transforms starch, forming maltose from it. The influence of lipase promotes the breakdown of fat, from which glycerol with fatty acids is formed.

Indications Ipental

It is used to treat digestive disorders caused by diseases in the gallbladder or pancreas, as well as the liver.

Used in situations with gastric digestion disorders, pain, discomfort in the abdominal area and gas formation caused by these disorders. Prescribed for digestive dysfunctions that occur with poor chewing of food (due to dental lesions), or bloating, after eating fatty or heavy foods and to remove gases before performing X-rays or sonography of the peritoneum.

Release form

The medicinal substance is released in enteric-coated tablets.

Pharmacodynamics

An extract obtained from animal bile (bovine) potentiates the activity of lipase during the breakdown of fats, and at the same time helps to emulsify them; it also stimulates the absorption of fatty acids. The substance is used as a replacement drug in situations where there is a lack of bile in the intestines, associated with a deterioration in the absorption and digestion of food. Although bile does not contain enzymes, it is very important in food digestion. Bile helps to neutralize the chyme coming out of the stomach, which has an extremely high acidity to stimulate the activity of pancreatic enzymes. [ 2 ]

The extract made from ox bile is very important because it helps absorb fats (in particular), and also certain vitamins, including menadione with calciferol, and some minerals (Fe and Ca). The ability of the extract to stimulate fat absorption can be explained by emulsification, as well as the formation of conjugated bonds with fatty acids that can dissolve in intestinal fluids. At the same time, the extract helps absorb cholesterol.

The hemicellulases present in the composition of the drug largely help the processes of digestion of hemicellulose. This substance has an optimal effect at pH levels of 3-7, ensuring complete digestion of carbohydrates obtained with plant food elements, which contribute to the production of glucose.

Dosing and administration

The dosage is selected individually. Usually, Ipental is taken in the amount of 1-2 tablets 3 times a day, with food or immediately after, while washing them down with plain water. Therapy can last a minimum of several days (in case of digestive disorders due to improper nutritional regimen) and a maximum of several months or years (if regular replacement therapy is required).

A child over 6 years of age is prescribed to take 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Before performing an ultrasound or radiological examination, take 2 tablets of the drug 2-3 times a day (in the period of 2-3 days before the procedure).

• Application for children

Ipental is not used in persons under 6 years of age.

Use Ipental during pregnancy

It is prohibited to prescribe to nursing or pregnant women.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe intolerance to the components of the medication or drugs that contain enzymes of animal origin;
• severe liver pathologies in which the level of serum bilirubin increases;
• paralysis affecting the ileum;
• obstruction of the bile ducts.

Side effects Ipental

Main side effects:

• damage to the digestive function: occasionally (in case of using large portions) nausea, diarrhea or pain in the abdominal area may occur;
• signs of allergy: pain inside the mouth or in the anus, rash or redness of the skin, sneezing and watery eyes.

Interactions with other drugs

Before or with meals, it is permissible to take medications that reduce gastric acidity in order to reduce the deactivation of pancreatin under the influence of gastric acids.

The drug can be used to increase the absorption of certain therapeutic substances (sulfonamides, PAS and antibiotics).

Storage conditions

Ipental should be stored in a dark place, out of the reach of small children. Temperature values are in the range of 8-25ºС.

Shelf life

Ipental is allowed to be used within a 24-month period from the date of production of the medicinal substance.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Festal and Enzistal.