Wobenzyme

Wobenzym is a combination drug containing a mixture of enzymes such as pancreatin, papain, rutoside trihydrate, bromelain, trypsin, lipase, amylase and chymotrypsin. These enzymes are normally present in the human body and are involved in the digestion process.

Here is a brief description of each component:

1. Pancreatin: This is a mixture of enzymes produced by the pancreas, including amylase, lipase, and proteases, which help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food for absorption by the body.
2. Papain and Bromelain: These are enzymes derived from papaya and pineapple respectively that also help break down proteins in food.
3. Trypsin and chymotrypsin: These are enzymes produced by the pancreas that are also involved in breaking down proteins in food.
4. Lipase and amylase: These are enzymes that are also produced by the pancreas and are involved in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, respectively.

Wobenzym is commonly used medicinally to support digestion, especially in patients with digestive disorders or gastrointestinal problems. It can be used to treat dyspepsia, pancreatitis, gastritis, and other digestive disorders.

The dosage and mode of administration of Wobenzym may vary depending on the specific indications and doctor's recommendations.

Indications Wobenzyme

1. Digestive disorders: The drug may be used for digestive disorders, including dyspepsia (indigestion), diarrhea, constipation or flatulence (bloating).
2. Chronic Pancreatitis: In cases of chronic inflammation of the pancreas, Wobenzym may help improve digestion and reduce symptoms associated with this condition.
3. Gastrointestinal support: The drug can be used to relieve symptoms associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer or colitis.
4. Improving Nutrient Absorption: Wobenzym can be used to enhance the absorption of nutrients from food in patients with digestive disorders.
5. Dietary support: In some cases, the drug may be used as a dietary supplement to improve digestion and relieve symptoms associated with selective or restrictive eating.

Release form

Wobenzym is usually available as tablets or capsules for oral administration.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Pancreatin: Pancreatin is a complex of enzymes that includes amylase, lipase, and protease. It is used to support digestion by breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the intestines and helping the body absorb nutrients from food.
2. Papain and Bromelain: These are proteolytic enzymes extracted from papaya and pineapple, respectively. They help break down proteins in food, improving digestion and alleviating some symptoms associated with digestive disorders.
3. Trypsin, chymotrypsin and other proteases: These enzymes also help break down proteins in food, ensuring normal digestion and improving protein absorption.
4. Amylase: This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates (amyls) in food into simple sugars such as glucose, making the carbohydrates easier to digest and absorb.
5. Lipase: Lipase breaks down fats in food into fatty acids and glycerol, allowing the body to absorb them.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Most of these components are usually broken down and absorbed in the small intestine. Some may be absorbed into the blood, especially if enzymes are present in the preparation.
2. Distribution: After absorption, active components can be distributed throughout organs and tissues.
3. Metabolism: Most of these components can undergo metabolic transformations in the liver or other organs.
4. Excretion: Metabolites or unchanged components may be excreted in the urine or via bile salts.

Dosing and administration

Directions for use:

1. Oral administration:
   • Wobenzym tablets should be taken orally, 30 minutes before meals, with a sufficient amount of liquid.
   • The tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing, to allow the active ingredients to reach the small intestine, where they are most effective.

Dosage:

1. Adults:

   • The usual starting dose is 3 tablets 3 times daily.
   • Depending on individual response and symptoms, the dosage can be increased to 5 tablets 3 times a day.
   • Once improvement is noticeable, the dose can be gradually reduced to a maintenance dose, for example, 2 tablets 3 times a day.

2. Children:

   • Wobenzym should be used in children only as directed and under the supervision of a physician, especially given the complexity and variety of enzymes in the composition.

Duration of treatment:

• The duration of treatment with Wobenzym depends on the nature and severity of the disease, as well as the individual response to treatment. In some cases, long-term use may be required, especially in chronic conditions.

Use Wobenzyme during pregnancy

Using Wobenzym or any other enzyme supplements during pregnancy requires careful consideration and consultation with your doctor. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Lack of data:

   • There is insufficient scientific data on the safety of using Wobenzym during pregnancy. Most studies have been conducted on animals, and it is unclear whether the results can be extrapolated to humans.

2. Potential risks:

   • Some components, such as papain and bromelain, may increase the risk of bleeding, which is especially dangerous during pregnancy and childbirth.
   • Enzymes such as trypsin and chymotrypsin can affect the immune system and inflammatory processes, which could theoretically affect fetal development or the course of pregnancy.

3. Consultation with a doctor:

   • Before taking Wobenzym during pregnancy, be sure to consult with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your individual condition, consider all the risks and benefits, and make an informed decision.

4. Alternative options:

   • Your doctor may suggest other, safer methods for managing inflammation and digestion during pregnancy that do not pose risks to the developing fetus.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance: People with known individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug Wobenzym should avoid using it.
2. Acute inflammatory diseases of the digestive system: The use of Wobenzym may be contraindicated in patients with acute inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, such as acute pancreatitis or acute cholecystitis, due to the risk of increased inflammation.
3. Allergic reactions to enzymes: In patients with a history of allergic reactions to enzymes such as papain, bromelain or trypsin, the use of Wobenzym may be contraindicated.
4. Acute or subacute conditions of the digestive system: The use of Wobenzym may be contraindicated in patients with acute or subacute conditions of the digestive system, such as gastric ulcer or ulcerative colitis, due to the risk of increased symptoms and complications.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using Wobenzym during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so its use during these periods may be contraindicated without consulting a doctor.
6. Paediatric population: The use of Wobenzym in children and adolescents may be limited due to limited data on efficacy and safety in this age group.

Side effects Wobenzyme

1. Allergic reactions: Some ingredients, such as papain and bromelain, may cause allergies, especially in people with allergies to tropical fruits or latex. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock.
2. Gastrointestinal disorders: Such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. These symptoms may occur due to the activity of enzymes that irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Digestive changes: Due to the content of digestive enzymes such as lipase, amylase and pancreatin, changes in stool and abdominal discomfort may occur.
4. Headaches and dizziness: Some users report headaches and dizziness while taking the drug, although these symptoms may not be directly related to the enzymes.

Overdose

Consequences of overdose may include increased unwanted side effects associated with the drug, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal upset.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Antagonism with anticoagulants: Components such as bromelain and papain may enhance the effect of anticoagulants, which may lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
2. Antibiotic Interactions: Interactions with some antibiotics, especially those that act in the gut, may occur. This may reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotics.
3. Increased action of drugs affecting digestion: Since Wobenzym contains digestive enzymes, its simultaneous use with other drugs affecting digestion may lead to increased action.
4. Interaction with antihypertensive agents: The effect of antihypertensive agents may be enhanced when used in combination with Wobenzym.
5. Effect on the absorption of other drugs: Since Wobenzym can affect the digestion and absorption of food, it may also affect the absorption of other drugs.