digestive enzymes (Arco Lase, Digepepsin, Gustase): Dosing and Uses
Classes: Pancreatic/Digestive Enzymes
Dosing and uses of Arco Lase, Digepepsin (digestive enzymes)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
1-3 tablet/capsules with or after meals
Fermentol: 5 mL PC; 30 mL for acute indigestion
Other Indications & Uses
Digestive enzyme deficiency; digestive dysfunction
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Arco Lase, Digepepsin (digestive enzymes) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Nausea
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramping
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component
Acute pancreatitis, acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis
Cautions
Dosage depends on condition being treated and digestive requirements of pt
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: n
Lactation: unknown
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Arco Lase, Digepepsin (digestive enzymes)
Absorption: not absorbed, acts locally in GI tract
Excretion: feces
Mechanism of action
Enzymes break down dietary:
- Carbohydrates: amylase, cellulase, pancreatin
- Fats: bile salts, lipase, pancreatin
- Proteins: pancreatin, pepsin, protease