Pancrelipase
Pancrelipase is a mixture of digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) derived from pig pancreases. These enzymes help break down and digest fats, starches, and proteins in food, ensuring proper nutrient absorption in individuals with impaired pancreatic function.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be individualized based on clinical symptoms, degree of steatorrhea, and dietary fat content. Take immediately before or during meals and snacks with sufficient liquid. Do not crush, chew, or hold the capsules or tablet contents in the mouth, as this can cause mucosal irritation. For infants, capsule contents may be sprinkled on acidic soft food (like applesauce) and given immediately.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 2,000 to 4,000 lipase units
- Frequency
- With each feeding (breast milk or formula)
- Tracking Notes
- Administer immediately before feeding. Do not mix capsule contents directly into formula or breast milk.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 5,000 to 7,000 lipase units
- Frequency
- With each meal
- Tracking Notes
- Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (2,500 to 3,500 units) for snacks.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 8,000 to 10,000 lipase units
- Frequency
- With each meal
- Tracking Notes
- Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (4,000 to 5,000 units) for snacks.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 11,000 to 15,000 lipase units
- Frequency
- With each meal
- Tracking Notes
- Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (5,500 to 7,500 units) for snacks.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 16,000 to 20,000 lipase units
- Frequency
- With each meal
- Tracking Notes
- Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (8,000 to 10,000 units) for snacks. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 10,000 lipase units/kg/day.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 2,000 to 4,000 lipase units | With each feeding (breast milk or formula) | Administer immediately before feeding. Do not mix capsule contents directly into formula or breast milk. |
| 5-7 kg | 5,000 to 7,000 lipase units | With each meal | Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (2,500 to 3,500 units) for snacks. |
| 8-10 kg | 8,000 to 10,000 lipase units | With each meal | Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (4,000 to 5,000 units) for snacks. |
| 11-15 kg | 11,000 to 15,000 lipase units | With each meal | Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (5,500 to 7,500 units) for snacks. |
| 16-20 kg | 16,000 to 20,000 lipase units | With each meal | Dosed at approximately 1,000 lipase units/kg/meal. Use half-dose (8,000 to 10,000 units) for snacks. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 10,000 lipase units/kg/day. |
Formulation
Purpose
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) used to treat malabsorption and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, or other conditions where the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes.
Generic Name
PancrelipaseBranded Drug Names
Pancrelipase is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.