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Dietary supplement

Betaine HCl Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Thompson

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Betaine HCl is a dietary supplement by Thompson with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 36 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Betaine HCl by Thompson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has 2 active ingredients: betaine hydrochloride and pepsin. Betaine HCl is a form of betaine (an amino acid compound) that raises stomach acid; pepsin is a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein in the stomach.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, stearic acid, and silica — which are fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive support with pepsin.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, indigestion, bloating, low stomach acid.
  • The closest evidence on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for betaine hydrochloride isn't established yet. Studies are insufficient to rate it for indigestion (dyspepsia), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

We hold no effectiveness data for pepsin either.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine HCl may irritate your stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it can make those worse. The data advises against using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pepsin is generally well tolerated in most adults, though it may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; in rare cases, occupational exposure to pepsin has triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma. Safety during pregnancy has not been established, so it's best avoided unless prescribed; there is little safety data during breastfeeding, so medical advice is recommended before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 36 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take H2-blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product. These are Minor interactions, but betaine HCl may reduce how well those medications work to lower stomach acid.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is meant to boost stomach acid for digestion, but the evidence for its benefits isn't solid yet. If you take acid-lowering medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it — it may interfere with how well those drugs work.

People with ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux should avoid it entirely. Pregnant or breastfeeding — talk to your pharmacist first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 26, 2014.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Betaine HCl, straight from the product label.

Brand Thompson
Barcode (UPC) 031315195358
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 26, 2014
DSLD ID 36688
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Betaine HCl by Thompson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
031315195358
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine HCl324 mg--
Pepsin39 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

WITH PEPSIN FOR DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

General Statements

FRESH HEALTHY

ONCE DAILY

Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.

Intended to provide nutritive support for normal digestion.

SINCE 1932

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Precautions

WARNING: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not take this product when your meal consists only of salad or fruit. If you have hyper (high) acid stomach or ulcers, consult a physician before using this product.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Use only as directed. Take one tablet up to three times daily with food.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Our own laboratory analysis guarantees purity and freshness of all Thompson(R) products.

(C)2008

General

6247312 1107

See for yourself

Betaine HCl by Thompson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Betaine HCl by Thompson

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Betaine HCl

Interacts with
36 drugs
324 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine HCl monograph & interactions

Pepsin

No known
interactions
39 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCl by Thompson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Betaine HCl?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
36Drugs
36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Betaine HCl with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Betaine HCl3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Betaine HCl, from the product label.

Thompson

See all Thompson products
Name
NutraPure, Inc.
Web Address
www.nutraceutical.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCl by Thompson: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCl by Thompson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Betaine HCl has a known interaction with 36 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Betaine HCl contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my indigestion?
The evidence isn't strong enough yet to say for sure. Studies on betaine HCl for indigestion are insufficient to rate it reliably.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux?
No — betaine HCl is not safe for people with true acid reflux. It raises stomach acid, which can make reflux worse. If you have reflux or a history of ulcers or gastritis, avoid this product.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advises against it during pregnancy. There isn't enough information to know it's safe, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking it.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so it's best avoided unless your doctor recommends it. Talk to your pharmacist about what's right for you.
What does pepsin do in this product?
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein in your stomach as part of normal digestion.
Will this cause side effects?
Betaine HCl may irritate your stomach and cause heartburn; pepsin may cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions. If you notice persistent stomach pain or heartburn, stop and talk to your pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Betaine HCl is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Betaine HCl label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Betaine HCl's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 5 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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