Structure and properties
Pepsin exists as a white to pale yellow, hygroscopic, crystalline or amorphous powder that is soluble in water. It is obtained from the gastric mucosa of pigs, cattle or sheep. Pepsin contains proteinases of the stomach that are active in an acidic environment (pH of 1 to 5).
Effects
Pepsin (ATC A09AA03) has proteolytic (protein-cleaving) properties. It cleaves peptide bonds. Pepsin is a natural product that is also formed in the human stomach from its precursor pepsinogen and is found in gastric juice.
Indications
For the treatment of digestive disorders.
Contraindications
Pepsin is contraindicated in hypersensitivity. In our opinion, it is not indicated in cases of gastric burning and GERD. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions.
