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Dietary supplement

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from pineapple stem, supplied at 2400 GDU/g (the standard measure of its enzyme activity) in a 500 mg capsule. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — hypromellose, rice flour, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — that serve as binders and fillers.

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 — see Bromelain's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestion support and joint health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Knee pain, Osteoarthritis, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Osteoarthritis, Knee pain, Rhinosinusitis, and more.

The evidence for bromelain isn't established in the data we hold. The facts list six conditions — hay fever, burns, cancer, nerve pain from chemotherapy, chronic vein problems, and diabetes — but mark all of them as having insufficient reliable evidence to rate whether bromelain actually works.

If you're considering this for a specific condition, ask your pharmacist whether published research outside this summary supports its use.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term when taken by mouth, though long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal ones: diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Rarely, people may have allergic reactions, including difficulty swallowing, throat itching, or even asthma-like symptoms if the powder is inhaled — a concern mainly for workers handling the raw enzyme. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist if either applies to you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 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.

Before you start, double-check if you're on any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, apixaban, aspirin, clopidogrel, and others) — the biggest concern is increased bleeding. Also verify any tetracycline antibiotics you may be taking, since bromelain might affect how well they work.

Use the medication checker on this page with your full list.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bromelain is best for people with no history of bleeding disorders or concurrent blood-thinning drugs. If you take anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your pharmacist first.

Anyone planning to use it long-term should discuss that with their doctor, since long-term safety data is sparse.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 2024.

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 Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739029430
Net contents 60 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2024
DSLD ID 313625
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
733739029430
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, with or between meals.

Formula

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the stem of the pineapple plant that has protein-digesting properties. When taken with food, Bromelain can help to support healthy digestion; when taken between meals, it may help to support joint comfort and may help to relieve temporary soreness that is associated with muscle overuse. Bromelain is designed by nature to support proper gastrointestinal function and may also help to promote the comfort of muscles and joints.

Proteolytic enzyme

Triangle K (Kosher)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (especially anti-platelet medications), or have a medical condition.

Do not use if you have a pineapple allergy.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Quality Assured

Triangle K (Kosher)

Formulation

Supports healthy digestion Joint comfort

Vegetarian/Vegan

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Digestive Family owned since 1968.

Gelatin Digesting Units - a measure of proteolytic (protein digesting) activity.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Pineapple

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg?

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
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg 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.

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Can I take this if I'm on aspirin or another blood thinner?
Not without checking first. Bromelain may have mild blood-thinning effects itself and could raise your bleeding risk if combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting — they'll know your full situation and can advise you.
What are the most common side effects?
Bromelain is generally well tolerated, but when side effects do happen, they're usually mild and digestive: diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, nausea, or headache. They're most likely if you're sensitive to the enzyme or taking it on an empty stomach.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Short-term use appears safe, but we don't have much data on long-term safety. If you're thinking of taking it regularly for weeks or months, discuss that with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. The same goes for breastfeeding — safety is unknown. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to be, or nursing and wondering about alternatives.
Can I take this with tetracycline antibiotics?
Theoretically, bromelain might increase how much tetracycline your body absorbs, though one study found no real difference. To be safe, check with your pharmacist about the specific antibiotic you're on — they may want to watch your response or adjust timing.

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

Not sure if Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg 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.

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bromelain 2400 GDU/g - 500 mg'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 19 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.

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain 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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