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Sacrosidase

Sacrosidase

Sacrosidase is a prescription used in a certain condition such as congenital sucrose-isomaltase deficiency (CSID). This drug is used to replace the sucrose enzyme in your body. It helps to digest and absorb sucrose or sugar. Sucrose helps the body break down and processes certain sugars during digestion. In people who lack the sucrase enzyme, sugar can pass into the intestines where it can interact wi/th bacteria. 

CSID is a genetic condition that affects a persons’ ability to digest certain sugars. People with this condition cannot break down sugar sucrose. CSID usually becomes superficial after an infant begins to consume juices, fruits, and grains. After ingestion of sucrose, an affected child will typically experience bloating, stomach cramps, and excess gas production. After ingestion of sucrose, an affected person will typically experience:

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Excess gas production
  • Abdominal pain
  • Mal-absorption of another nutrient
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Reflux-like symptoms

In some children, these digestive problems can lead to failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate and malnutrition. As they get older, most affected children are better able to tolerate maltose and sucrose. Symptoms can vary for a variety of reasons including the timing of the introduction of sucrose into a person’s diet, and the amount of sugar and starch consumed.

Importance of sucrose 

Your body requires a constant supply of energy. As a carbohydrate, sucrose provides your body with the energy required to perform physical and mental functions. Your body breaks down foods such as sucrose and starch into fructose and glucose during digestion. The fructose and glucose are metabolized by your body to release energy to your cells. The energy produced during metabolism helps your body carry out both physical and mental activities. 

Sacrosidase is a product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is available in 118 mL translucent plastic bottles. Each mL solution contains 8,500 I.U. of Sacrosidase. 

How does Sacrosidase work?

Sacrosidase helps improve the breakdown and absorption of sucrose from the intestine. This also helps relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms of CSID. Sacrosidase does not break down some sugars resulting from the digestion of starch. Therefore, you may need to restrict the amount of starch in your diet. Your doctor will tell you if you should restrict the amount of starch in your diet. 

This drug is a replacement remedy for the treatment of the genetically determined sucrase deficiency that is part of CSID. Sucrase is certainly made in the brush boundary of the small intestine. Primarily, it is the distal jejunum and duodenum. Sucrase hydrolyzes the disaccharide sucrose into its component monosaccharides, fructose, and glucose. Isomaltase breaks down disaccharides from starch into simple sugars. Sacrosidase does not contain isomaltase.  

How to use Sacrosidase?

Sacrosidase is usually taken with each meal or snack. It is best to take one-half of the dose when you start eating. During your meal or snack, you may take the other half. 

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Measure your dose using the scoop provided with Sacrosidase. Rinse the scoop after each use and allow it to dry thoroughly. Sacrosidase liquid should be mixed with 2 to 4 ounces of milk or water. Do not mix with warm or hot liquids or the medication will not be as effective. Do not as well mix Sacrosidase with fruit juice or drink fruit juice when taking the medication. 

Before you start the medication, your doctor may recommend a Sacrosidase skin test to make sure you are not allergic to the medication. This medication sometimes causes an allergic reaction. Your doctor may instruct you to take your first dose of Sacrosidase in a place where you have access to emergency medical care. A severe allergic reaction could occur that may require immediate care.

What are the side effects of Sacrosidase?

Common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleep problems or insomnia
  • Constipation
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Dry or hot skin
  • Increased thirst 

Call your doctor right away if you have these side effects:

  • Feeling thirsty or hot
  • Being unable to urinate
  • Heavy sweating 

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

  • Difficult breathing
  • Hives
  • Swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat 

This is not the complete list of the side effects. Call your doctor if there are side effects happened. 

Warnings and Precautions

  • If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. 
  • You may need to avoid eating a lot of starch. It is mainly found in potatoes, rice, pasta, corn, and bread. Follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet while you are taking this medicine. 
  • There may be other medications that can interact with Sacrosidase. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, minerals, herbal products, vitamins, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not begin with new medication without telling your doctor.
  • Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your circumstances.
  • Let your doctor know if you ever had an allergic reaction to this medication. Tell as well if you have any allergies. This product may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. 
  • You should not take Sacrosidase if you are allergic to yeast, glycerine, yeast products, or papain. 
  • To make sure Sacrosidase is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Sacrosidase changes the way your body absorbs sugar and your glucose levels may change. Your doctor will tell you if any of your medication doses need to be changed.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding while taking Sacrosidase.
  • If you are pregnant, consult your doctor first before taking this drug. It is not known yet whether Sacrosidase will harm an unborn baby. 
  • Keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children. Never share your medicines with others and use this drug only for the indication prescribed.