What can I take to calm pancreatitis?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Acute pancreatitis accounts for up to 279,000 annual hospital admissions in the US, highlighting the seriousness of this inflammatory condition. When managing the severe pain and inflammation associated with pancreatitis, understanding what can I take to calm pancreatitis is crucial for patients and caregivers alike.

Quick Summary

Managing pancreatitis involves pain medication, enzyme supplements, and dietary adjustments to reduce pancreatic strain. Medical supervision is essential for tailoring a treatment plan to individual needs and severity of the condition.

Key Points

Pain Medication: Mild to moderate pancreatitis pain can be managed with acetaminophen or short-term NSAIDs, while severe pain often requires prescription opioids under medical supervision.
Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements: For chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), such as Creon, helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Strict Dietary Changes: Adopting a low-fat, high-protein diet with small, frequent meals helps reduce the workload on the pancreas and prevent flare-ups.
Avoid Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Eliminating alcohol and quitting smoking are critical steps to prevent further pancreatic damage and reduce the risk of recurring attacks.
Hospitalization for Acute Episodes: Severe, acute pancreatitis attacks usually require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, pain control, and nutritional support.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, like water and broths, is important to combat dehydration, which is a common issue with pancreatitis.
Specialized Pain Management: For intractable pain from chronic pancreatitis, nerve blocks or other advanced pain management techniques may be considered by a specialist.

Pancreatitis, the inflammation of the pancreas, can cause intense abdominal pain and other debilitating symptoms. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom management, as there is no specific cure for the underlying condition. The approach varies significantly depending on whether the pancreatitis is acute or chronic.

Medical Management for Pancreatitis

For both acute and chronic pancreatitis, the primary goal is to provide relief from symptoms and allow the pancreas to rest and heal. This typically begins with a period of fasting, during which nutritional support and pain management are administered in a hospital setting. Once the initial inflammation subsides, a doctor may prescribe several types of medication and supplements.

Pain Relief

Managing the pain is a top priority for patients with pancreatitis. The type and strength of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of the pain.

Mild to Moderate Pain: For less severe pain, over-the-counter (OTC) options such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be used for a short duration. Long-term use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, so a doctor may also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for protection.
Severe Pain: In cases of severe pain, especially during an acute attack, stronger, opioid-based pain medication may be necessary. These can be administered orally or intravenously in a hospital setting. While concerns about addiction exist, studies show the risk is low when used as prescribed for pain management. A doctor may also recommend pain management specialists who can offer additional therapies, such as nerve blocks.
Neuropathic Pain: For chronic pancreatitis patients who develop persistent, nerve-related pain, medications like tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) or gabapentin may be prescribed to help manage the discomfort and improve sleep.

Enzyme Supplements

For many with chronic pancreatitis, the organ's ability to produce digestive enzymes is compromised, leading to poor nutrient absorption and related symptoms. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), such as pancrelipase (Creon, Zenpep), is often prescribed.

These supplements are taken with every meal and snack to help the body break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Using the appropriate type and amount of enzyme supplement is important for managing digestive symptoms effectively and should be determined with a healthcare provider.

Other Supportive Medications

Depending on the patient's overall health and the cause of pancreatitis, other medications might be necessary. This includes insulin for those who develop diabetes due to pancreatic damage and antibiotics to treat any associated infections.

Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments

Medication alone is often not enough to calm pancreatitis. Significant lifestyle and dietary changes are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing future attacks.

Low-Fat Diet: High-fat foods put a strain on the pancreas, so a diet low in fat is critical. Patients should focus on lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also aid digestion.
Abstain from Alcohol: Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of pancreatitis. It is essential to avoid all alcoholic beverages, as continued consumption can cause further damage and increase the risk of recurrent attacks.
Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates the progression of pancreatitis and increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Quitting is a vital step for long-term health.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen pancreatitis. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and clear broths, is important.

Comparison of Pancreatitis Management Options


Feature	Acute Pancreatitis	Chronic Pancreatitis
Initial Treatment	Typically involves hospitalization for IV fluids, pain control, and bowel rest.	Focuses on long-term management of pain and digestive insufficiency.
Primary Goal	To resolve the acute inflammatory episode and manage severe pain.	To control ongoing pain, manage symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency, and prevent complications.
Pain Medication	Strong opioids are often necessary for severe pain during the initial episode.	Starts with OTC options and escalates to stronger medications or specialized pain therapies for persistent pain.
Enzyme Supplements	Not typically used during the acute phase but may be started later if long-term insufficiency develops.	Standard of care to aid digestion and reduce symptoms like diarrhea and bloating.
Dietary Changes	Initial fasting followed by clear liquids and a gradual return to a low-fat diet.	Long-term commitment to a low-fat diet with frequent, small meals to ease digestive load.
Other Medications	Antibiotics for infection, if necessary.	Insulin for resulting diabetes, and other medications for neuropathic pain.

Conclusion

Calming pancreatitis involves a multi-faceted approach centered on medication for pain and digestive support, coupled with strict lifestyle and dietary modifications. For acute episodes, medical supervision and hospitalization are often required for aggressive pain management and supportive care. Chronic pancreatitis necessitates a long-term strategy involving pancreatic enzyme replacement and careful dietary planning. It is imperative that all treatment decisions are made in consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure a safe and effective management plan. By combining these pharmacological and lifestyle strategies, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the frequency and severity of pancreatitis flare-ups.

For more detailed information on living with chronic pancreatitis, the National Pancreas Foundation offers extensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild to moderate pancreatitis pain, acetaminophen is often recommended. However, you should always consult a doctor before taking any medication, as NSAIDs like ibuprofen can be risky for some patients and long-term use can cause stomach issues.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is primarily used to aid digestion and nutrient absorption in chronic pancreatitis, which can indirectly reduce pain caused by digestive issues. Some evidence suggests it may reduce pain by triggering a feedback loop that decreases pancreatic stimulation, but it is not a direct painkiller.

Diet is crucial for calming pancreatitis. A low-fat diet, consisting of small, frequent meals, reduces the digestive load on the pancreas. Avoiding fatty and fried foods is essential, as is abstaining from alcohol.

Yes, for chronic pancreatitis with severe, intractable pain that doesn't respond to medication, surgery may be considered. Options include procedures to improve duct drainage or, in severe cases, partial or total pancreas removal.

Some alternative therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, may help with chronic pancreatitis pain management by reducing stress and improving well-being. They should be used as complementary therapies and not as a replacement for medical treatment.

Avoiding alcohol is extremely important, especially if it was the cause of your pancreatitis. Continued alcohol consumption can cause further damage to the pancreas, leading to more severe pain, complications, and progression to chronic disease.

You should seek emergency care if you experience a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain that radiates to your back, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a rapid heartbeat. Acute pancreatitis requires immediate hospital treatment.