Amylase
Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and starches into simpler sugars for easier absorption. It is used as a replacement therapy in patients with insufficient natural enzyme production.
Amylase is a digestive enzyme supplement used to aid carbohydrate digestion in patients with enzyme deficiencies.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- a09
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Amylase
- Class
- atc-a09
- Brands
- Zenpep, Viokace, Pertzye, Pancreaze, PanaKare, PancrePlus, Creon
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- N
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- delayed-release capsules, tablets
- Regions
- United States, Europe, Canada, Australia
- Monitoring
- stool consistency, nutritional status, fecal fat levels
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500-2500 lipase units per kg per meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- with each main meal
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500-1000 lipase units per kg per meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- with each main meal
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500-2500 lipase units per kg per meal
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- with each main meal
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
may be used during pregnancy if clinically indicated for pancreatic insufficiency
standard prenatal care
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
may be used during pregnancy if clinically indicated for pancreatic insufficiency
standard prenatal care
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
may be used during pregnancy if clinically indicated for pancreatic insufficiency
standard prenatal care
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding, enzyme is not systemically absorbed
none required
geriatric
elderlyno routine adjustment needed
use standard dosing based on fat content of meals, consider comorbidities
periodic assessment of nutritional status
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
dosing based on lipase units per kilogram per meal, typical range 500-2500 lipase units/kg per meal
monitor growth parameters and nutritional status
pediatric_age
infantsspecial pediatric formulation required
use age-appropriate formulations, typical starting dose 2000-4000 lipase units per 120mL formula or breastfeeding
close monitoring of growth and nutritional status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate, enzymes not renally excreted
routine clinical monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate, monitor for nutritional status
monitor nutritional parameters
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate
routine clinical monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate
monitor nutritional status
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Conditions treated
Therapeutic indications
Used to treat pancreatic insufficiency, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis-related pancreatic dysfunction, and post-pancreatic surgery patients who have difficulty digesting carbohydrates and starches.
Amylase hydrolyzes starches and complex carbohydrates into maltose, dextrin, and glucose, allowing these nutrients to be absorbed in the small intestine where they would otherwise pass undigested.
Should be taken with meals and water. Patients with known allergies to porcine proteins should use caution, as some formulations are derived from pig pancreas. Effectiveness depends on adequate stomach acid levels and should not be chewed or crushed in enteric-coated formulations.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy