Mezim for heartburn: does it help, purpose, how to take, analogues

Heartburn is a truly “acidic” word that accompanies the unpleasant state of lack of appetite, nausea. In the modern world, various conditions have been created for eliminating heartburn (“Mezim Forte”, “Rennie”), we will analyze it completely, understand the specifics of the drug before purchasing.

The most famous remedy for treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (composed of exclusively natural “enzymes”) is Mezim Forte. The main component of the drug is pancreatin, medically extracted from the pork pancreas. The effectiveness and safety of the drug have been tested by doctors and is used to resolve a wide range of problems (including patients with defects in the functioning of the gastroduodenal area and liver).

general information

"Mezim Forte" is made on the basis of pork pancreatin, natural enzymes such as lipase, trypsin, amylase.
Medicines are produced in the form of elongated oval-shaped dragees. To prevent premature dissolution of the tablet in the stomach, a special coating is used that dissolves only in the intestines. The drug is able to improve digestion, accelerate the breakdown of fats, proteins, and starch. Trypsin in the composition of the product is endowed with the property of regulating the acidity of digestive juice.

Description of the drug

The drug is produced in tablets that have an elongated oval shape and a pinkish color. A special coating is used that dissolves exclusively in the intestinal tract.

Mezim Forte is made on the basis of natural enzymes (lipase, amylase, trypsin), which have the ability to normalize the digestive function in the body and accelerate the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

In certain cases, when heartburn occurs, Mezim also demonstrates a pronounced effect.

Does Mezim Forte help and what diseases does it treat?

“Mezim Forte”, “Festala”, “Pancreatina” are enzyme medicines for the gastrointestinal tract.
All three drugs have the following common characteristics:

Operating basis:
amylase - for the breakdown of carbohydrates;
lipase - for digesting fats;
protease - for processing proteins.
They belong to the group of enzyme preparations.
Main differences:
Availability, type and concentration of additional ingredients. For example, Mezim Forte contains trypsin, which gives the ability to regulate acidity when other drugs cannot do this.

The differences between “Pancreatin” and “Mezim” are in the dosage of pancreatin: 250 and 300 mg or 3500 and 10,000 IU, respectively. Festal uses cattle bile, which makes it a prohibited medicine for pathologies of the gallbladder and liver. Mezim Forte is approved for diseases of these organs.

The medicine is widely used in the complex treatment of such pathologies:

pancreatic dysfunction caused by chronic inflammation of the organ or cystic fibrosis;
inflammation in liver cells caused by hepatitis;
disorders of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, provoked by chronic inflammation in the form of enteritis, anacid and hypoacid gastritis.

The drug is used in the postoperative period, after resection of part of the stomach, pancreas, and liver. "Mezim Forte" effectively helps with violations of errors in medical nutrition, with heavy feasts and overeating with fatty foods.

Information specifics

There are two types of enzyme preparations that determine the effectiveness of their action in a certain part of the gastrointestinal tract:

Capsules. Such medications are granular powder or compressed material enclosed in a gelatin shell in the form of a capsule. The oblong shape makes it easier to swallow the drug. Encapsulated enzymes have a broad effect, that is, they work throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This is ensured by the special structure of the shell, which gradually dissolves immediately in the stomach, and then in the intestines.
Pills. This form is more common. But such enzymes only work in the stomach, since the acidic digestive juice of the organ quickly dissolves their membrane.

The choice of enzyme preparation is determined by the desired end effect. It is not recommended to open the capsules and take only their contents. Since in this form the drug will not affect the intestines. Tablets can be crushed or divided into two parts. This does not reduce their effectiveness.

The most acceptable in terms of the spectrum of action they provide are minimicrospheres coated with an enteric coating. They have a double shell, which gradually dissolves as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract: part dissolves in the stomach, the second in the intestine. This ensures maximum effect from the use of the drug.

Ingredients of Mezim Forte: pork pancreatin, natural enzymes: lipase, trypsin, amylase. It is produced similar to tablets with an oblong-oval appearance. To prevent untimely liquefaction of the pill inside the digestive system, a special coating is used, with the help of which the pill is liquefied immediately after entering the stomach.

The medicine is aimed at improving digestion, the process of decomposing fats and proteins. Trypsin has an important feature for regulating the acidity of digestive juice.

Characteristics of the component of the drug:

Pancreatin – favorable digestion.
Amylase - liquefies carbohydrates.
Lipase – digestion of fats.
Protease – processing of proteins.

The drug has long been used for the treatment of various pathologies:

A disorder of the pancreas resulting from constant irritation of the internal organ or cystic fibrosis.
Irritation in the particles of the hepatic system after hepatitis.
Intestines with defects in performance, gastrointestinal tract, resulting from inflammation: anacid and hypoacid gastritis.

The drug is also well used for further procedures of operations: removal of fragments of the stomach, pancreas, and liver system. “Mezim Forte” works effectively in case of mistakes made in the correct “healthy diet”, after a large intake of goodies at feasts, and in excess of the norm of food intake with a high fat content.

Instructions for use

Indications for use:

diseases of the pancreas, for example, chronic pancreatitis;
liver diseases of various etiologies (hepatitis);
the period of recovery time after surgical interventions performed on the gastrointestinal tract;
frequent overeating, abuse of fatty heavy foods.

Mezim also helps against heartburn in the following situations:

If the functioning of the digestive system organs is disrupted as a result of pancreatitis. With this problem, food stagnates in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. The medication helps digest food faster.
In the presence of an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa. Then reflux appears after overusing fatty, spicy foods.
If the human body produces its own enzymes in insufficient quantities.

Mezim for heartburn should be consumed before meals, directly during meals, or immediately after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole, do not need to chew it, take it with the required amount of water. It is forbidden to take the medicine with juice, tea, fruit drinks and other drinks. After taking the medication, you need to remain upright for 5 minutes. When used simultaneously with other medications, it is necessary to take a break between doses - at least 15 minutes.

Symptoms of an unpleasant phenomenon

Belching is a symptom of bloating.

When flatulence occurs, associations arise with a tightly inflated balloon, which is what the stomach of a person suffering from bloating feels like. Additional symptoms:

Feeling of heaviness and fullness.
Belching, rumbling.
The size of the abdomen increases, it becomes dense to the touch.
Excessive gas formation.
Colic or cramp-like pain occurs after the passage of gas.

Contraindications

The medicine Mezim forte cannot be used in the following cases:

small children under 3 years of age;
pregnant women, during breastfeeding;
period of exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
acute gastritis;
in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Side effects should also be taken into account when using Mezim Forte:

nausea, vomiting, intestinal obstruction, diarrhea;
allergic reactions;
irritation of the mucous membrane in the mouth and near the anus;
in some cases, an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood.

When using several medications simultaneously, it is important to pay attention to the compatibility of the drug with other medications. For example, antacids reduce the activity of enzyme preparations, so using Mezim Forte with antacids at the same time is ineffective. This medicine also impairs the absorption of iron-containing drugs.

It should be remembered that if the cause of a burning sensation in the esophagus is a stomach disease, then mezim for heartburn will not help. It is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Mezim is not prescribed if there are signs:

hypersensitivity to components;
inflammation of the pancreas in acute form, exacerbation of a chronic disease;
cystic fibrosis;
acute forms of gastritis.

Most often, after consuming Mezim, an allergy appears in the form of hives. Additional phenomena are considered:

diarrhea, constipation, nausea;
epigastric discomfort;
a jump in the level of urea in the blood with prolonged use and exceeding the daily dose.

The negative effect of Mezim therapy can be expressed by digestive disorders.
If the drug is taken for cystic fibrosis (which is a contraindication), strictures (narrowings) will form in the ileocecal area after taking high doses.

Enzyme Review

Often, Mezim Forte causes an allergic disorder in the form of nettle fever. Also in addition:

Diarrhea, constipation, nausea;
Epigastric disorder;
Increased levels of urea in the blood due to long-term use, exceeding dosage standards.

Negative effects while taking Mezim Forte may include indigestion.

Special instructions:

It is forbidden to use as a result of a sharp deterioration of the pancreas.
In case of cystic fibrosis, the daily norm is set according to the individual volume of enzymes desired for processing. For the calculation, the characteristics and volume of food taken are taken. It will help reduce the consequences, to a minimum it is permissible when consuming no more than ten thousand units per kilogram of body weight per day.
In situations where there is an increased level of lipase in the blood, when used in parallel with Mezim Forte, there is a possibility of further constipation, dosage rates are increased incrementally.

Parallel use of Mezim Forte with drugs containing iron and antacid components will further reduce overall effectiveness. Take your medications correctly!

Despite the wide variety, different dosages and forms of release of enzyme preparations, they have the same principle of action. Enzymes are used at any age for various digestive disorders to assist in symptomatic therapy and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, enzymes:

reduce heartburn and burning pain in the stomach, relieve spasms and discomfort in the intestines;
make up for the lack of their own digestive enzymes (replacement therapy) in case of secretory failure of the glands in the stomach, liver and pancreas;
loosen stools if the patient suffers from constipation.

Enzyme-based medications also have a general healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

substances containing highly active pepsin and cathepsin promote the release of gastrin;
bile acids accelerate the emulsification and breakdown of fats, stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes (lipase and protease);
bound hydrochloric acid alleviates the condition of hypacid gastritis, achylia, and dyspepsia.

There are 3 categories of medications that improve digestion, which are divided depending on the composition and active ingredient:

medications with pancreatic enzyme - to provide powerful support to the digestive system in case of malfunctions of the pancreas (Pancreatin, Mezim, Penzital, Creon);
medications with pancreatic enzyme, hemicellulose and bile acids - to facilitate the breakdown and absorption of complex types of glucose, improve intestinal activity, enzyme secretion by the pancreas (Festal, Enzistal, Panzinorm);
drugs to normalize the exocrine activity of the pancreas (“Somilaza”, “Nigedase”, “Oraza”).

Enzymes help speed up the process of digesting food. In the stomach, food is processed by gastric juice with hydrochloric acid and enzymes. If there are few enzymes, the food does not have time to be completely digested. It enters the alkaline environment of the intestines, where the processes of breakdown and absorption occur.

Most of the beneficial substances enter the blood through the mucosa, are delivered to the tissues and are metabolized inside the cells; the smaller one enters the large intestine, interacts with water and is excreted along with feces. With a lack of enzyme substances, food remains on the walls of the stomach and intestines, “stagnates”, and the process of rotting and fermentation begins.

Failures in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract cause various diseases. Several types of medications are used for treatment: antacids, enzymes, painkillers, proton pump inhibitors and others.

When should I take Mezim for heartburn?

Mezim can be taken in case of a number of stomach ailments.

When food stagnates in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The condition can be caused by a lack of pancreatic enzymes, which is typical for pancreatitis. Undigested food ferments and festers, causing heartburn.
When overeating fatty, spicy, fried foods during a feast. As a result of heavy stress on the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn occurs. In this case, Mezim will help reduce the burning sensation, which speeds up and facilitates the process of digesting heavy food.
With weak secretion of the gastric mucosa, which is observed during gastritis with low acidity. In this case, “Mezim” for heartburn is highly effective and fast-acting. To relieve an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest, the enzyme preparation should be taken in the amount of 1-2 tablets three times a day. Increasing the dose is discussed with the doctor.

Why does bloating occur?

Bloating can be a gut reaction to stress.

The digestive process normally should not cause discomfort. If such discomfort occurs with alarming regularity, you should definitely visit a gastroenterologist and undergo the examination he prescribed.

You should not self-medicate, because bloating can be a symptom of diseases such as colitis, erosive bulbitis, bacterial infection or deformation of the gallbladder. With episodic, irregular occurrence of bloating, its causes may be as follows:

Air that enters the intestines may end up there along with food or carbonated drinks.
An additional symptom may be belching and increased gas production.
Gut reaction to stress, depression, overexcitement.
Getting soda and products containing it into the stomach.
Temporary disorder of the gastrointestinal tract due to the content of the menu incompatible with each other, fatty and fried foods, overeating.
Pregnancy in the second and third trimester, when the growing fetus puts pressure on the intestines.
Chronic constipation, preventing natural gas separation.
There is an excess of easily digestible carbohydrates in the menu, which are found in baked goods and sweets. These products stimulate the fermentation process, accompanied by the release of gases.
Content in the diet of foods containing starch and fiber in large quantities (milk with artificial additives, ice cream, fruits, vegetables, starch, legumes).

Method and recommendations for use

The tablets should be taken before meals, without destroying the shell, with alkaline or plain water. After taking the tablet, it is advisable to take a horizontal position to allow it to pass through the gastrointestinal tract unhindered. The average single dose is 1-2 tablets. If necessary, an additional 1-4 tablets are allowed, but not exceeding the maximum daily concentration of 150,000 IU of lipase. Dosages for children depend on age and are agreed with the doctor:

for children under 1.5 years old - the maximum daily dose is 50,000 units;
for children over 1.5 years old - 100,000 units.

The drug "Mezim" is taken before meals.
If treatment with Mezim is based on restoring the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract after a diet violation, the course can last up to 1 week. When replacement therapy is needed, the treatment course can be extended to several months or years. Recommendations for use are as follows:

take orally before, during or immediately after meals;
The dragee should not be chewed, as this will reduce its effectiveness;
Do not take tablets with tea or juice;
It is better to take tablets while standing or sitting;
You cannot lie down for 3-4 minutes so that the protective shell of the medicine does not collapse in the esophagus instead of the stomach;
when taken simultaneously with other drugs, you should take a break of 15 minutes between doses.
The duration of the therapeutic course varies from 7 days to several months.

How to get rid of bloating

To eliminate these unpleasant symptoms, you need to consult a doctor. Single symptoms can be eliminated by changing your diet and carefully selecting foods.

You need to try not to overeat, walk in the fresh air more often, and perform therapeutic exercises. An hour after eating, it is very useful to drink herbal tea with a decoction of chamomile and mint.

In cases where it is not possible to obtain medical advice, taking a safe anti-bloating agent is acceptable. One such remedy is Mezim.

Use during pregnancy

Pregnant women often suffer from heartburn, and therefore the question arises about medicinal treatment of the problem. To date, the effect of pancreatin (the main active component) on the condition of the fetus has not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, in order to avoid a possible threat to the fetus, doctors do not advise pregnant women to use Mezim Forte, but to give preference to traditional medicine.

Heartburn during pregnancy often worries a pregnant woman because of her strange eating habits. But there is no clear affirmative answer about the possibility of taking Mezima Forte during pregnancy. It is also prescribed during lactation due to the lack of absorption into the blood, that is, the drug does not enter milk, does not saturate the placental blood, and therefore does not affect the newborn and fetus. On the other hand, no tests have been conducted in a group of pregnant and lactating mothers.

Analogs

The drug Mezim forte is familiar to many people. But few people know that this medicine has analogues that are significantly lower in price. List of drugs that can replace Mezim Forte:

Festal. Consists of enzymes to support the activity of the pancreas and bovine bile to improve the activity of the liver.
Pancreatin. The composition of pancreatin components is identical. The effect on the gastrointestinal tract begins half an hour after administration.
Gastenorm forte. Used to ease digestion, high degree of effectiveness.
Creon. This medication is in the same price category as Mezim Forte. Available in capsules, the shells of which dissolve in the stomach. When mixed with gastric contents, the medicine enters the intestines and exerts its therapeutic effect there.
Hermital. The medicine is made in Germany, the main component is pancreatin. The tablets are coated with a coating that dissolves in the stomach, from which enzymes are sent to the intestines.
Micrasim. A remedy for improving digestion.
Holenzim. Enzyme and choleretic agent.

Which is better - Festal or Creon

Having learned the composition and form of release of the two medications, we can conclude that it is better to use for gastrointestinal diseases. It should be noted that Creon is a more effective and convenient drug. Its capsules deliver beneficial substances directly to the place where they are needed. In addition, the medicine has few side effects.

Creon is produced in Germany, and Festal in India, which indicates the high quality of the first medicine.

But the German drug has a drawback - its price. It costs twice as much as its analogue, so not every patient can use it for long-term treatment.

Use in childhood

Mezim Forte can be prescribed to children who overeat large amounts of heavy protein foods. The drug is an auxiliary component in the breakdown of difficult foods.

The difficulty of taking Mezim in children under 1 year of age lies in the need to destroy the integrity of the protective shell of the pill due to the inability of the baby to use the drug independently. When crushed, the medicine loses its healing properties. The instructions for Mezim do not recommend use in children under 3 years of age.

Side effects

As is the case with most medications, Festal has a number of possible side effects, mostly quite rare and individual:

An allergic reaction, expressed in skin rashes, itching;
Nausea;
Due to stimulation of peristalsis, diarrhea may develop;
The rarest side effect is abdominal pain.

Side effects of the drug develop mainly when contraindications are not observed, including:

Acute form of pancreatitis;
Hepatitis;
Cholelithiasis;
Diarrhea.

special instructions

You should not drink during exacerbation of chronic pancreatic inflammation.
For cystic fibrosis, the dosage is selected according to the amount of enzymes necessary for digestion. This takes into account the quality and quantity of food consumed. It is possible to minimize the consequences by taking no more than 10,000 units/kg/day.
If there is an increased level of lipase in the blood, when used simultaneously with Mezim, the risk of developing constipation increases. In this case, the dose is increased gradually.