Festal: quick aid to digestion

Festal belongs to a series of enzymatic (enzyme) medicines, which contain substances that help accelerate and improve the digestive process.
Instructions for use of Festal tablets contain educational information for patients and medical personnel that needs to be read before starting therapy. The instructions include information about the price of the medicine, customer feedback, a comparative description with one of the analogues, a description of the rules for the use and use of the drug Festal.

Release form and composition

The structure of white, round dragees includes:

• The active elements of Festal are pancreatin (amylase + steapsin (lipase) + proteolytic enzyme), hemicellulase, bile components.
• Additional element of the drug Festal: sodium salt of hydrochloric acid.

The acid-resistant body of the dragee prevents the destruction of active enzymes in the human stomach.

Festal dragees with a light vanilla aroma are packaged in a cell-free, flexible strip plate of ten pieces. The medicinal pack of the drug Festal contains 2, 4, 10 soft packages with instructions for use in each.

Pharmacodynamics

The active ingredient of Festal is pancreatin. It compensates for the lack of exocrine function of the pancreas, and the components of bile - the biliary function of the liver.

Pancreatin is an extract of the largest gland (pancreas) of cattle, consisting of enzymes:

• Amylase - absorbs organic substances - carbohydrates;
• Lipases – digests triglycerides (fat);
• Proteases – breaks down polypeptides (protein).

Such additional components of Festal as hemicellulase and bile acids are respectively responsible for the breakdown of fiber and improve the process of fat digestion.

Pharmacological group of Festal: an enzyme preparation that promotes a better digestion process.

Indications for use

The use of the drug Festal is advisable for disordered functioning, inflammation of the pancreas, in combination with biliary dysfunction, manifested by:

• failure of the digestive process;
• constipation;
• flatulence.

For extensive treatment:

• Progressive disease (cirrhosis), liver intoxication.
• Significant loss of cholic acids (subsequently resection of the gallbladder).

Disturbances in the circulation of cholic acids are observed with:

• Dysbacteriosis.
• Malabsorption.
• Disorder of motility of the gallbladder.

Disorders of neurohumoral regulation of bile secretion and formation in:

• prolonged gastritis;
• inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the duodenum (duodenitis);
• inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).

Symptomatic therapy

The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori is the most common cause of chronic gastritis. According to statistics, it is found in more than 90% of patients with inflammation of the gastric mucosa and peptic ulcer. It must be treated after a detailed examination of the patient and identification of this pathogenic microorganism.

The attending gastroenterologist decides which tablets to prescribe to the patient. You need to take them conscientiously, adhere to all nutritional recommendations, and not miss a single dose. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited. It can cause bacteria to become resistant to treatment.

Treatment is prescribed for 7 or 14 days. The treatment regimen may be supplemented with other medications. The doctor selects them individually after examining the patient.

Treatment of hypoacid gastritis begins with a differential analysis and comprehensive examination using histological, laboratory and endoscopic examination, radiography, ultrasound, determination of pH measurements and the enzyme composition of juice.

Therapy of the disease occurs according to a certain scheme, consisting of several stages:

• normalization of secretory function,
• replacement treatment,
• symptomatic therapy,
• antibacterial treatment,
• restoration of organ functions and prevention of exacerbations.

Contraindications

According to the instructions, Festal is contraindicated for use for treatment in the presence of the following factors and pathologies:

• Children's age less than three years;
• Excessive sensitivity to the constituent elements of the drug;
• Liver failure, encephalopathy;
• Increased content of bile pigment in the blood, Gospel disease;
• Aggravated form of pancreatitis;
• If there are stones in the gallbladder or its ducts;
• Intestinal obstruction;
• Acute inflammatory process in the gallbladder;
• Predisposition to diarrhea;
• Hepatitis;

If there are indications, as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor, Festal is used by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding (lactation), as well as by patients with a hereditary pathology - cystic fibrosis.

Antibacterial drugs

To use mezim in combination, you need to know how it interacts with other medications. A gastroenterologist or therapist will help you with consultation.

Mezim reduces the absorption functions of products that contain iron; improper use can lead to the development of anemia. You cannot combine them. If necessary, medications should be taken two to three hours apart.

Antacids containing calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, on the contrary, reduce the effect of mezim.

Currently, there are plenty of medications that will help both in the treatment of gastritis and in alleviating the symptoms of this disease. In addition, do not forget about some truly effective homeopathic remedies, as well as the methods that traditional medicine offers.

It is worth noting that the choice of a particular medicine for gastritis of the stomach should be entrusted exclusively to a gastroenterologist.

Only a specialist can answer the question of what to drink for gastritis, based on the patient’s tests and diagnosis.

We can say that the danger of traditional methods of treatment (unless, of course, the doctor himself recommended them) lies precisely in the fact that a person, not knowing what type of disease he suffers from, begins, at best, ineffective and sometimes dangerous self-medication.

There are the following types of medicines that are effective for various forms of gastritis:

• drugs for the treatment of chronic gastritis (prokinetics and antiemetic drugs, for example, Domperidone, Metoclopramide, Sulpiride, enzymatic drugs - Mezim, Pangrol, Panzinorm, Smecta, Neosmectin, as well as antibiotics if the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection);
• medicines for the treatment of acute gastritis (No-Shpa or Papaverine are suitable for relieving acute pain during exacerbation; antibiotics, for example, Levomycetin or Ampicillin are used for infection with Helicobacter);
• medications for the treatment of reflux gastritis (drugs containing ursodeoxycholic acid, for example, Ursodex, Ursolivili Ursosan, prokinetics containing Domperidone, such as Motilium, as well as Primer or Ganaton, which contain Itopride);
• medications for the treatment of erosive gastritis (antibiotics if the cause of the disease is pathogenic microorganisms, prokinetics - Motilium, antacid drugs, for example, Maalox or Gastal, enzymatic agents - Digestal, Festal or Mezim, proton pump inhibitors - Enprostil and Omeprazole, damaged gastric mucosa is restored with the help of Sucralfate or Venter, and Iberogast and Trental help saturate the blood with oxygen);
• homeopathic medicines (Iberogast, Ecolulko tea is effective for gastritis with low acidity, Ulcus Sept drops);
• combination drugs for gastritis and stomach ulcers (antacids - Gastal, Maalox, AlmagelNeo, Rennie, antisecretory agents - Famotidine and Ranitidine, antimicrobials - Trichopolum, Omeprazole, Amoxicillin).

As you already understand, for each type or form of the disease there is a specific medicine. Therefore, only a specialist can freely navigate this variety of medications. Let's talk in more detail about tablets for stomach gastritis. We have already mentioned that it is more effective from a medical point of view to treat acute forms of gastritis with drugs.

The above list of tablets for gastritis and stomach ulcers can only be used after consulting a doctor. This is important to remember, since different forms of gastritis require an individual approach. Otherwise, you risk making things worse with the wrong treatment.

Gastritis tablets with high acidity help protect the gastric mucosa from the irritating effects of hydrochloric acid. They can treat the disease itself, or temporarily eliminate pain and nausea. With increased acidity of gastric juice, the walls of the stomach are literally corroded from the inside. The patient develops pain in the stomach and heartburn.

All the pills we take affect the gastric mucosa in one way or another. Some are positive, some are negative. Doctors identify drugs that you should absolutely not drink if you have inflammation of the gastric mucosa:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are sometimes an independent cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers. These include:
   Nimesil;
2. Acetylsalicylic acid;
3. Aspirin;
4. Nurofen;
5. Ibuprofen;
6. Paracetamol;
7. Analgin;
8. Ketanov;
9. Indomethacin.
10. Corticosteroids:
    Prednisolone;
11. Dexamethasone;
12. Methylprednisolone.

They irritate the gastric mucosa and disrupt blood circulation in it.

• Multivitamins. During the treatment of gastritis, they should be abandoned. Vitamins have an aggressive effect on the walls of the stomach.
• Some antibacterial drugs (Macrolides). In case of urgent need, they can be prescribed to the patient.

With the help of drugs, you can fight:

• with high acidity;
• eliminate pain and heartburn;
• replace enzyme deficiency.

Doctors have developed drug regimens whose action is aimed at destroying Helicobacter pylori infection (the main cause of gastritis). During gastritis treatment, you should avoid taking certain tablets (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, multivitamins), as they cause an exacerbation of the inflammatory process.

Directions for use and dosage

Festal is taken during or after eating food and should be taken with a small amount of liquid.
Tablets in an acid-resistant case must not be chewed, crushed or divided into halves. For adults, the standard dosage of Festal involves taking one or two tablets three times a day.

Increased dosage of Festal is prescribed by medical specialists. Doses are calculated for children individually, and a regimen of use is prescribed exclusively by a therapist or specialist.

The therapeutic period of the drug can last from a couple of days to several months, years, depending on the indications for use.

Before diagnostic examinations (radiology, ultrasound), Festal is prescribed for several days, two tablets two to three times a day.

Festal - what it helps with, instructions for using tablets, indications, analogues

Festal is an enzyme preparation. Compensates for insufficiency of the secretory function of the pancreas and biliary function of the liver. Prescribed by a doctor for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Before using Festal, you must study the instructions for use. What it helps with and how to use it correctly for adults, as well as what analogues can be replaced - we will look further in the article.

Composition and release form

The drug Festal represents the clinical and pharmacological group of enzyme drugs. The medicine is produced in the form of a white dragee, with a shiny protective film and a slightly vanilla odor.

Thanks to the special shell, the enzymes remain protected from the negative effects of gastric juice and penetrate the small intestine. The drug is able to quickly eliminate unpleasant phenomena associated with disruption of digestive processes.

Festal helps dilute fats with water and improves their digestibility. Indicated for use in pancreatitis, liver damage, loss of bile acid, disorders of bile formation, bile excretion, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

pharmachologic effect

Festal is of natural origin, made from bovine bile and contains all the enzymes necessary for digestive processes (hemicellulase, amylase, lipase, protease).

The dragee has lipolytic, amylolytic, proteolytic, choleretic and pancreatic-normalizing effects.

1. Pancreatin in Festal is one of the main active ingredients of the drug; it contains lipase, protease and amylase, penetrates the small intestine and excellently promotes the rapid breakdown, absorption and excretion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
2. The enzyme hemicellulase, which is found in tablets, accelerates the process of digestion of plant fiber and thus increases digestive functions and reduces the formation of gases in the intestines.
3. The presence of bile acids provides additional opportunities for correcting biliary insufficiency, which often accompanies chronic pancreatitis.
4. Bile extract has a choleretic effect, facilitates the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K, and promotes the secretion of lipase by the pancreas.
5. The enzyme hemicellulase promotes the breakdown of plant fiber, which also improves digestive processes and reduces the formation of gases in the intestines.

Before using Festal, carefully read the instructions for its use. See the expiration date of the drug.

What Festal helps with: indications for use

Taken as an aid to improve the functioning of the digestive system

When there are not enough enzymes in the body, the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted and symptoms such as burning, nausea, diarrhea and, in some cases, vomiting occur. With such manifestations, there is a need to help the gastrointestinal tract and take medications.

What do pills help with? The main indications for the use of Festal are insufficiency of the pancreas, accompanied by chronic pancreatitis, as well as biliary insufficiency with impaired digestion of food, flatulence, constipation, and so on.

Main indications for the use of tablets for adults:

• disorders of the liver and biliary tract, dyskinesia or dysbacteriosis, cirrhosis;
• diagnosed insufficiency of exocrine pancreatic function;
• sedentary lifestyle or impaired chewing function;
• the need to prepare for an ultrasound or x-ray of the abdominal organs.

The use of Festal is also justified in the case of combination therapy after irradiation of the digestive tract, which led to disruption of the functioning of these organs.

The drug is used with caution in case of concomitant cystic fibrosis, as well as during pregnancy. Before starting to use Festal tablets, it is important to exclude the presence of contraindications.

Instructions for use

Before starting to take Festal tablets, it is important to carefully read the instructions for the drug and pay attention to several features of the correct use of the drug.

The tablet must be taken with meals or at the end of a meal. Take the product with a small amount of water without chewing. For the adult population, tablets are prescribed in a dosage of 1 or 2 tablets three times a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased, but only on the recommendation of a doctor.

• For adults, Festal is prescribed in a dosage of 1-2 tablets after or during meals. Should be used three times a day.
• If Festal is prescribed to prepare for hardware diagnostics, it is taken for 3 days before the examination, 2 tablets 3 times a day.

The duration of treatment can vary from several days (if the digestive process is disrupted due to errors in the diet) to several months or years (if constant replacement therapy is necessary).

The drug is given to children only as prescribed by a doctor. It also determines the method of use of the drug.

Contraindications

There are a number of pathological and physiological conditions of the patient’s body that are contraindications for taking Festal tablets, these include:

• acute pancreatitis;
• exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
• liver failure;
• hepatitis;
• jaundice of mechanical origin;
• cholelithiasis;
• empyema of the gallbladder;
• intestinal obstruction.

Given such a number of contraindications, you cannot prescribe self-treatment with Festal.

Pregnancy and lactation

Festal should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Taking the drug is possible only if the benefit to the mother significantly exceeds the expected harm to the fetus. The same applies to women who are breastfeeding. The method of use and dosage during pregnancy and lactation in each case is determined individually by the doctor.

Side effects for the body

Festal tablets may cause some side effects when taken:

• From the digestive system: epigastric pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased synthesis of bile acids.
• Increased levels of uric acid in blood plasma.
• Hyperuricosuria.
• The occurrence of an allergic reaction.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are hyperuricemia and hyperuricuria. If symptoms of overdose appear, discontinue the drug and carry out symptomatic therapy.

Interaction with other drugs

1. The combination of the drug with sulfonamides, antibiotics and iron supplements can have different effects on their absorption.
2. Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate can reduce the effectiveness of Festal.
3. Simultaneous use with Cimetidine may enhance its effect.

Best before date

Shelf life: 3 years. Store in a dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C.

Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package.

Analogs

Nowadays, there are a number of similar products belonging to the group of enzyme products. Those who are constantly forced to take Festal must remember that, despite the interchangeability of some enzyme medications, there is no need to switch to a new drug on your own without consulting a doctor.

Festal's analogues:

• enzistal,
• digestal,
• normoenzyme.

If the presence of pancreatin in the composition is important, then the following drugs are recommended:

• pancreatin,
• mezim,
• Creon.

The enzymes included in Festal and its analogues facilitate the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates in the small intestine, promote the breakdown of fiber, which improves the digestion process and reduces gas production in the intestines, have a choleretic effect, and improve the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Do not decide to replace pills on your own; consult your doctor.

Prices in pharmacies

• The average price for the drug in Russia is about 250 rubles.
• On the territory of Ukraine, the average cost will be about 92 hryvnia.

Source: https://simptomy-i-lechenie.net/festal/

Side effects

When taking Festal for a long time, if the instructions for use are not followed, the following undesirable effects may occur:

• From the intestines: diarrhea, stabbing pain, nausea;
• From the immune system: redness of the skin, sneezing, active lacrimation;
• Increased levels of trioxypurine in blood plasma;
• In children, after taking Festal, irritation of the skin near the anus and mucous membranes in the mouth may occur.

What is the price?

The price of Festal may vary up or down, depending on trade margins and the number of pills in the package.

In Ukraine, there is no data on the sale of Festal in the country; the analogue is Festal Neo of its own production. The table shows the approximate average price for the drug Festal.

Mezim or Festal, which is better?

Despite the fact that both drugs belong to the enzyme group of drugs and have the same therapeutic effect, they still have some differences. The choice should be made in favor of the one that is more suitable for its intended purpose and for which there are no contraindications.

You should carefully study the instructions for both medications to avoid unwanted reactions from the body. The over-the-counter status of the drugs Festal and Mezim does not mean that you can self-medicate, especially in relation to children. Before taking enzyme preparations, consult a doctor.

Other medicines

If you don’t want to drink expensive lactulose for a long time, use suppositories and microenemas (this most often applies to men), strong laxatives are used. They have many unwanted effects and are not suitable for long-term treatment of constipation and its symptoms.

Magnesium sulfate

Perhaps the most powerful saline laxative. A single dose (20 g) is dissolved in a glass of water. Drink the freshly prepared solution. Effect in about 2 hours.

You should not leave the house at this time. Saline laxatives work powerfully. Magnesia is good for rare constipation.

It is not recommended to use it often; it can cause dehydration and persistent diarrhea.

By using osmotic agents for several months, you can “earn” cardiovascular failure. The drugs interfere with the absorption of potassium and magnesium - this leads to heart failure.

Long-term use of saline laxatives is unacceptable in children, since disturbances in water-electrolyte metabolism can lead to dehydration.

The sensations after taking magnesia are not pleasant - cramps, bloating, and it tastes very bitter.

Osmotic laxatives are able to retain water in the intestinal lumen. The stool softens.

The drugs increase the volume of intestinal contents and promote comfortable bowel movements. The drugs raise osmotic pressure by using water from the fatty tissues surrounding the intestines and plasma.

This causes a strong laxative effect of the drugs. The powerful laxative effect of salt remedies is used for poisoning.

Medicines containing bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

These can be suppositories and tablets. They help well with hemorrhoids, hypotonic and atonic constipation. If bowel movement is desired in the morning, take 1-3 bisacodyl tablets in the evening. The action develops over eight hours.

Side effects include colicky abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rumbling and bloating. The suppositories begin to act after 4 hours.

Bisacodyl is the drug of choice for the treatment of constipation accompanied by hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Drugs are used before endoscopic examination. Prescribed for various diets.

Long-term use of drugs in this group leads to dehydration and intestinal atony.

Sena preparations

among them we can highlight “Senade”, “Glacsena”, “Thick senna extract”, “Senadexin”. The initial dose is 1 tablet at night, the effect develops after 8 hours.

If there is no bowel movement within 8 hours, the dose should be increased to 3 tablets.

Disadvantages of senna preparations: intestinal colic, flatulence, addiction. Suitable only for relieving symptoms and treating occasional constipation.

Buckthorn bark, joster fruit

Gastroenterologists do not like these drugs due to the lack of strict dosing and rapid addiction.

Products containing sodium picosulfate

Among them are “Guttalax”, “Slabilen”, “Regulax” and others. They are good because they do not cause colic and chronic diarrhea. The drugs “work” at the level of the colon, increasing peristalsis.

Macrogol

The pharmacy sells Lavacol, Fortrans, Forlax.

Macrogol is not absorbed into the systemic circulation. It does not cause addiction, disturbances in intestinal motility and dehydration. Therefore, macrogol-containing drugs can be used for up to three months.

Macrogol is well tolerated. It does not cause flatulence, pain, or rumbling in the stomach. His work is aimed at softening stool by increasing the fluid content in it.

The drug is drunk during breakfast, dissolving the sachet in water.

Reviews

Julia. “Festal helps me with constipation, I don’t often suffer from it, but sometimes after the holidays, or after a dry meal, I save myself with this medicine. It relieves the feeling of heaviness, eliminates various unpleasant symptoms, and also has an affordable price.”

Valery. “We keep Festal in the first aid kit in case of holidays. Great for overeating or poisoning. It may be a coincidence, but after taking Festal during large feasts with alcohol, the hangover goes away more easily. What does this miracle remedy help you with?”

Alexandra Vasilievna. “I have chronic gastritis, but sometimes following a diet is not enough, so I take Festal before or after meals, the main thing is to start eating immediately after taking the pill.”

Olga. “Festal will help get rid of heartburn, nausea and a feeling of heaviness when overeating, it is effective for constipation, the main thing is to take it correctly, follow the instructions and not abuse it. Nice price and aroma, unlike other drugs."

Symptomatic therapy

Before we talk about taking Mezim for gastritis, let's talk about the disease itself. So, severe indigestion, accompanied by pain in the stomach and discomfort caused by inflammation of the mucous membranes, is called gastritis.

Gastritis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, in which unpleasant symptoms can be noted:

• fatigue and drowsiness;
• headache;
• depression;
• nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• lack of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• spasmodic pain in the abdominal organs and stomach.

If any of the above points occur, you should not delay and make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. After examination, examination using procedures and tests, the doctor will make a correct, updated diagnosis and prescribe a comprehensive therapeutic treatment.

Detection of the disease at an early stage will prevent the development of more serious complications and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• pain in the stomach after eating;
• heartburn, belching, nausea, bad breath.

Unpleasant sensations usually intensify during an exacerbation of the disease and in the morning on an empty stomach. Usually with gastritis there is heaviness in the stomach. Symptoms at the initial stage of the disease with high acidity are not clearly expressed, and it is difficult to determine the presence of the disease.

Correct diagnosis of gastritis

To clarify the signs, patients undergo a blood test for biochemistry, a general blood test, and also for the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies. Also for diagnosis, the secretory function of the stomach is examined for gastritis with high acidity, and the pH of gastric juice is measured using probing.

If pathological changes are suspected, gastroduodeposcopy is also performed to exclude the possibility of developing a stomach ulcer and determine an accurate diagnosis. Fibrogastroduodeposcopy reveals inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

A biopsy determines changes in tissues, their lesions, the absence or presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastritis, as in other gastrointestinal diseases. It is very important to see a qualified specialist with extensive experience who can recognize the symptoms and make a correct diagnosis.

Common causes of gastritis of the stomach (for all types), as we said earlier, can be both poisoning (chemical, medicinal) and the harmful effects of pathogenic microorganisms.

Gastritis, during an exacerbation, causes a huge amount of discomfort to its owner. Therefore, symptomatic treatment is necessary.