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Dietary supplement

Bromelain Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DC

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

Bromelain is a dietary supplement by DC 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 2000. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bromelain by DC

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 2000, an enzyme derived from pineapple. It's the sole active component in this capsule.

The remaining ingredients — vegetable cellulose, gelatin, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silica — are inactive excipients that make up the capsule and help deliver the bromelain.

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

This is a single-ingredient Bromelain product and its label doesn't state a use — see Bromelain's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for bromelain's effectiveness hasn't been established in the data we hold. Studies are insufficient to rate it reliably for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), burns, cancer support, nerve damage from chemotherapy, chronic venous insufficiency, or diabetes.

If you're considering this supplement for one of those purposes, you'll want to talk it over with your doctor about whether the current evidence supports its use for your situation.

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.

Orally, bromelain is generally well tolerated over the short term, though long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Some people may experience gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Allergic reactions are possible — if inhaled occupationally, it can trigger asthma and throat irritation — and oral IgE-mediated allergic reactions may occur in sensitive people.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid it then as well.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is appropriate 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.

Before you start, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) — Bromelain may increase bleeding risk (Moderate severity). Also flag if you're on tetracycline antibiotics, though the effect is less certain (Minor severity).

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 may help with certain conditions, but the evidence isn't yet solid in our data. The main concern is with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs — combining them raises bleeding risk.

If you take any blood thinners, aspirin regularly, or tetracycline antibiotics, clear this with your doctor or pharmacist first. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are off-limits.

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 Feb 23, 2022.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand DC
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2022
DSLD ID 266503
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 by DC, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain 2000150 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Gelatin, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, 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.
Precautions

Tamper Evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing do not take this product.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

Formulation

Manufactured in our own state-of-the-art FDA Registered Facility (Registration #1023013) using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) assuring correct potencies, freshness, quality and purity.

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

Gluten free

Nutritionally supports digestive health

Made in USA

Formula

Bromelain is the genuine mixture of bromelain A and B, the proteolytic enzymes of pineapple fruit.

Proteolytic pineapple enzyme extract

Formula 229 contains 2000 Gelatin Digestive Units (GDUs) per gram, equivalent to 3000 Milk Clotting Units (MCUs) per gram.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Seals/Symbols

Quali Pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Enzyme Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule three times daily with meals.

See for yourself

Bromelain by DC label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bromelain by DC

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bromelain 2000

Interacts with
141 drugs
150 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 2000 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Gelatin, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bromelain by DC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bromelain?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bromelain 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.

Bromelain 20002 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, from the product label.

DC

See all DC products
Name
Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc.
Street Address
304 Dee Cee Ct.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bromelain by DC: Common Questions

Does Bromelain by DC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bromelain 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 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, and where does it come from?
Bromelain is an enzyme sourced from pineapple. This supplement delivers 2000 units of it per capsule in a gelatin capsule with inactive ingredients like cellulose and magnesium stearate.
Is bromelain safe to take every day?
It's generally well tolerated in the short term, with the most common side effects being diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach upset. However, we don't have strong evidence on long-term daily use, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how long it's safe for you to take it.
Can I take bromelain while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. Safety while breastfeeding is also unknown, so avoid it in that case too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're considering it during either time.
Does bromelain really work for burns or hay fever?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate it reliably for either condition. If you're thinking about using it for burns, hay fever, or any other health concern, have that conversation with your doctor so you both know what the current science actually supports.
What side effects might I have?
The most common ones are digestive: diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Headache can occur too. Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive people. Stop taking it and reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unusual symptoms.
Can I take bromelain with my blood thinner?
That's something to check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Bromelain may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel, so they need to know you're considering it before you start.

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

Not sure if Bromelain is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bromelain'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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