Sacrosidase

Sacrosidase is a enzyme used as a medication to treat congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, a condition that affects the body's ability to digest certain sugars. The enzyme works by breaking down sucrose (a sugar) into simpler forms that the body can absorb.

History

Sacrosidase was approved for medical use in the United States in 1998. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.

Medical uses

Sacrosidase is used to treat congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. This is a condition in which the body is unable to break down certain sugars due to a lack of certain enzymes. Sacrosidase works by replacing the missing enzymes, allowing the body to break down the sugars and absorb them.

Side effects

Common side effects of sacrosidase include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic reactions.

Mechanism of action

Sacrosidase works by replacing the enzymes that are missing in people with congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. These enzymes are normally produced by the body and are responsible for breaking down certain sugars. When these enzymes are missing, the body is unable to break down and absorb these sugars, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sacrosidase helps to break down these sugars, relieving these symptoms.

See also

• Enzyme replacement therapy
• Digestive enzyme