Pan-D

Pancreatin (170mg) + Dimethicone (80mg)
Price: ₹75 - ₹115 for 10 tablets strip
Mfr: Cipla Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination of digestive enzymes and an antiflatulent. Pancreatin, a porcine-derived enzyme mixture containing amylase, lipase, and protease, aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that reduces gas-related discomfort by lowering surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to coalesce and be expelled more easily. This combination is widely used in India for symptomatic relief of dyspepsia, bloating, and flatulence associated with pancreatic insufficiency and functional gastrointestinal disorders.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One to two tablets/capsules, three times daily with meals or as directed by the physician. The dose should be taken during or immediately after meals.

Note: Swallow the tablet/capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do NOT crush, chew, or break enteric-coated formulations. Take during or immediately after meals to coincide with the presence of food in the stomach and duodenum. Do not lie down immediately after taking the dose.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to pork proteins (porcine origin of pancreatin) or any component of the formulation
  • Acute pancreatitis or acute exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Pancreatin provides exogenous lipase, amylase, and protease to compensate for deficient endogenous pancreatic secretion, facilitating the hydrolysis of fats into fatty acids and glycerol, starches into dextrins and sugars, and proteins into proteoses and derived substances. Dimethicone is a surfactant with defoaming properties. It reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles trapped in the gastrointestinal mucus and content, causing them to coalesce. The larger bubbles are easier to expel via belching or flatus, relieving sensations of pressure, bloating, and discomfort.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping/discomfort
  • Diarrhea or loose stools (especially with high doses)

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C (US FDA). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Systemic absorption is negligible, so risk is considered low.

Driving: No effects on ability to drive or operate machinery.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Acarbose, MiglitolPancreatin may reduce the efficacy of these alpha-glucosidase inhibitors by digesting carbohydrates.Moderate
Antacids containing Calcium Carbonate or Magnesium HydroxideMay reduce the efficacy of enteric-coated pancreatin by raising gastric pH and causing premature release of enzymes.Moderate
Iron Supplements (e.g., Ferrous Sulfate)Pancreatin may impair iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.Moderate
Folic AcidPancreatin may reduce folic acid absorption. Monitor levels with long-term use.Moderate
OrlistatAdditive effect on fat malabsorption and steatorrhea; increased risk of GI side effects.Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Pan-D

Same composition (Pancreatin (170mg) + Dimethicone (80mg)), different brands:

Pankreoflat Elipan Digeplex Panceflat