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Dietary supplement

Bromelain 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Natural Brand

Bromelain 500 mg label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bromelain 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bromelain 500 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC Natural Brand 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

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 a single active ingredient: bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that comes from pineapple. Each tablet or pill delivers 500 mg.

The inactive ingredients — dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, and food glaze — are fillers and binding agents that hold the tablet together.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: aids in the digestion of proteins.
  • We looked for evidence on: protein digestion, enzyme support.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence for what bromelain does isn't established in our data. The product facts list six conditions — allergies, burns, cancer, nerve damage from chemotherapy, chronic venous insufficiency, and diabetes — but for all of them, the rating is insufficient reliable evidence to say it works.

That doesn't mean it doesn't; it means we don't have enough solid research yet to know.

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.

Taken by mouth, bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but how it performs over the long haul isn't well studied. The most common side effects are diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache.

A small number of people may have allergic reactions — especially if they're sensitized to it — which can show up as itching, hives, or in rare cases breathing trouble if inhaled. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided.

Safety while breastfeeding is also unknown, so avoid it then too. If you're pregnant or nursing and interested in bromelain, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for 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.

Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel) are the main watch-out — bromelain may raise your bleeding risk. Tetracycline antibiotics (like doxycycline) are a secondary concern, since bromelain might boost how much your body absorbs them.

Check your prescriptions with the tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bromelain might appeal to you if you're looking for a natural enzyme supplement, but the evidence for what it actually does isn't solid yet. If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, this product needs a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist first — the bleeding risk is real.

Everyone else should still check their exact medications against the tool here before you start.

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 Jul 25, 2017.

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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Natural Brand
Barcode (UPC) 048107060749
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2017
DSLD ID 76841
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107060749
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain500 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Food Glaze

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.
General Statements

(GDU = Gelatin Digesting Unit)

Aids in the digestion of proteins

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapples that aids in the digestion of proteins.

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

(GDU = gelatin digesting unit)

Actual size

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

CODE 423012 ARG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one to two tablets daily.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Keep out of reach of children.

Formulation

No sugar, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, sodium free, no wheat, gluten free, no soy, no dairy, yeast free.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand label

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

Bromelain 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand

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

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

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
500 mg per serving

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: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Food Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bromelain 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

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bromelain 500 mg interact with 141 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Bromelain 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bromelain

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bromelain 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
Bromelain full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bromelain 500 mg, from the product label.

GNC Natural Brand

See all GNC Natural Brand products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
www.gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand: Common Questions

Does Bromelain 500 mg by GNC Natural Brand interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bromelain 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 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.
What is bromelain?
It's an enzyme — a protein-digesting protein — that comes naturally from pineapple. In this product, each tablet has 500 mg of it.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown too, so avoid it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to be, or nursing and want to discuss options.
What side effects might I have?
Most common are diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache when taken by mouth. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon — they might include itching, hives, or (very rarely) trouble breathing if you're sensitized to bromelain.
Does bromelain actually work for allergies, burns, or other conditions listed on the label?
The evidence isn't established in our data. While bromelain is studied for hay fever, burns, cancer, nerve damage, and other conditions, we don't have enough solid research yet to say whether it works for any of them.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but evidence on how safe it is over months or years is limited. If you're thinking of taking it for a long time, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.
I'm on a blood thinner. Can I take this?
Not without checking first. Bromelain may increase bleeding risk when paired with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if Bromelain 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bromelain 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Bromelain

Interacts with 141 drugs

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...

Read the full Bromelain monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bromelain 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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