Creon

Creon may refer to more than one thing. In Greek mythology, Creon is the ruler of Thebes associated with the Oedipus cycle. He is traditionally described as the brother of Queen Jocasta and the uncle (and later brother‑in‑law) of Oedipus. After the death or exile of the previous king, Creon becomes ruler of Thebes. In Sophocles’ plays, he is portrayed as stern and law‑minded, emphasizing order and obedience to state decree. His conflicts with Antigone, who defies his burial edict for Polyneices, form a central drama of the trilogy, highlighting themes of authority, loyalty, and the limits of power. Creon’s portrayal varies by work, but he is generally presented as a cautionary figure whose rigidity leads to familial and civic tragedy.

Creon is also a brand name for a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, containing porcine pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease). It is used to treat pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or after certain surgeries. Creon is taken orally with meals or snacks to aid digestion, with dosing tailored to the patient’s age, weight, and degree of insufficiency. Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea; more serious but rare risks include allergic reactions and, at high doses, fibrosing colonopathy, especially in children. As with other enzyme replacements, timing with meals is important to optimize effectiveness, and patients should follow a clinician’s instructions for dosing and monitoring.

See also: Greek tragedy and pancreatic enzyme therapy.