Digestion Complex 4-20 Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Digestion Complex 4-20 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
Digestion Complex 4-20 is a dietary supplement by Nikken Wellness Kenzen with 20 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support, bloating and gas, fat digestion.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, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen
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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
Digestion Complex 4-20 is a multi-enzyme supplement with 20 active ingredients designed to aid the breakdown of food. The formula includes three main enzyme types: carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (amylase, glucoamylase, maltase, and others), fat-digesting enzymes (mainly lipase), and protein-digesting enzymes (bromelain, papain, and various proteases).
Also included are lactase (which breaks down milk sugar) and several fiber-digesting enzymes. The inactive ingredients are a vegetarian capsule and rice bran.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The evidence for most of these enzymes in supplement form is not well established in the data we hold. Lactase is rated Effective for lactose intolerance—if you have trouble digesting milk, this ingredient is supported.
For the others—including papain, bromelain, phytase, lipase, and the proteases—the evidence available is insufficient to rate their effectiveness for any condition. They are sold as digestive aids, but clinical proof of benefit in supplement doses is lacking.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Overall, these enzymes are generally well tolerated when taken by mouth at normal doses. The main concern is allergic reaction; papain and bromelain in particular can trigger allergies—itchy eyes, runny nose, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or in occupational settings, respiratory symptoms like wheezing or asthma.
High doses of papain may cause serious digestive tract irritation. Bromelain commonly causes mild digestive symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.
For pregnancy, papain and bromelain should be avoided; concentrated papain and unripe papaya products are specifically noted as unsafe. Lipase, phytase, and the proteases lack enough safety data in pregnancy—check with your doctor before use.
For breastfeeding, papain, bromelain, phytase, and the proteases all have insufficient data; lactase is the only ingredient rated likely safe while breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the others if you're nursing.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, double-check this product first—papain may increase its effect (Moderate). Similarly, if you're on any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication (like aspirin, clopidogrel, or apixaban), bromelain may raise bleeding risk (Moderate).
If you take a tetracycline antibiotic, bromelain might increase its level (Minor)—mention this when you pick up your prescription. For all other medications, no interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This is a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme blend, best suited for people looking for general digestive support. If you take warfarin or other blood thinners, or if you're allergic to papaya or pineapple, talk to your pharmacist first.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check with your doctor before starting.
Most people tolerate it well, but if you have a history of food allergies or occupational enzyme exposure, be cautious.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 8 of 20 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.
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
General information
Key facts about Digestion Complex 4-20, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Nikken Wellness Kenzen |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | #15471 |
| Net contents | 90 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 22, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 220972 |
| 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 |
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 Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Amylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Papain | 0 NP | -- |
| Bromelain | 0 NP | -- |
| Lipase | 0 NP | -- |
| Lactase | 0 NP | -- |
| Cellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Peptidase | 0 NP | -- |
| Invertase | 0 NP | -- |
| Glucoamylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Alpha-Galactosidase | 0 NP | -- |
| Xylanase | 0 NP | -- |
| Pectinase | 0 NP | -- |
| Beta-Glucanase | 0 NP | -- |
| Phytase | 0 NP | -- |
| Hemicellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease 4.5 | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease 6 | 0 NP | -- |
| Acid Maltase | 0 NP | -- |
| Fat Digestion | 0 NP | -- |
| Neutral Protease, Bacterial | 0 NP | -- |
| Carbohydrate Digestive Blend | 0 NP | -- |
| Amylase, Bacterial | 0 NP | -- |
| Protein Digestive Blend | 0 NP | -- |
| Fiber/Cellulose Digestive Blend | 0 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: 100% vegetarian Capsule, Rice Bran
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Recommended Use: Take one (1) capsule before each meal.
Precautions
If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, or are pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before taking this or any other dietary supplement.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if safety seal under cap is broken or missing.
If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, or are pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before taking this or any other dietary supplement.
Storage
Store in a dry place at room temperature.
Formulation
Contains no dairy, preservatives, salt, sucrose, soy, wheat, yeast, corn, nuts, gluten, artificial colors or flavors.
Made in USA
V Certified Vegan Vegan.org
Supports optimal digestion and nutrient absorption
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
2017 Nikken Inc.
Seals/Symbols
OU (Kosher)
V Certified Vegan Vegan.org
Formula
OU (Kosher)
vegetarian/vegan plant based enzymes
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen
These are the 20 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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.
Fat Digestion
- › Lipase
Carbohydrate Digestive Blend
- › Amylase
- › Lactase
- › Invertase
- › Glucoamylase
- › Alpha-Galactosidase
- › Acid Maltase
- › Amylase, Bacterial
Protein Digestive Blend
- › Papain
- › Bromelain
- › Peptidase
- › Protease 4.5
- › Protease 6
- › Neutral Protease, Bacterial
Fiber/Cellulose Digestive Blend
- › Cellulase
- › Xylanase
- › Pectinase
- › Beta-Glucanase
- › Phytase
- › Hemicellulase
Other (inactive) ingredients: 100% vegetarian Capsule, Rice Bran. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen contains several digestive enzymes, and two of them have documented interactions with medications.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Papain may increase the effects and side effects of warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner. One case report describes a patient who was stable on warfarin but developed a dangerously high blood-thinning level after taking a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.
This is a Moderate severity interaction.
Bromelain may increase bleeding risk if you're taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners and anti-clotting medications). The concern is that bromelain itself has mild anti-clotting activity.
One case report noted minor bruising when bromelain was used with naproxen, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. This is also Moderate severity.
Separately, bromelain might increase absorption of tetracycline antibiotics (Minor severity), though a study in healthy volunteers found no practical difference in antibiotic levels.
Several other active ingredients—amylase, cellulase, peptidase, invertase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, xylanase, pectinase, beta-glucanase, hemicellulase, and acid maltase—could not be checked; we hold no interaction data for them. Lipase, lactase, phytase, and the proteolytic enzymes (Protease 4.5, Protease 6, and Neutral Protease, Bacterial) have been checked and show no documented interactions.
Altogether, these interactions span 141 individual medications. Please run your exact medications through the checker on this page before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Digestion Complex 4-20?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Digestion Complex 4-20 interact with 141 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 20 ingredients in Digestion Complex 4-20 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bromelain Papain
AbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Abrocitinib interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAnacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
How Anacaulase-bcdb interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Anacaulase-bcdb interactionAnagrelideAgrylin
How Anagrelide interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Anagrelide interactionAnisindioneMiradon
How Anisindione interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Anisindione interactionAntithrombin IiiThrombate III
How Antithrombin Iii interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Antithrombin Iii interactionApixabanEliquis
How Apixaban interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Apixaban interactionArgatrobanArgatroban
How Argatroban interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Argatroban interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interactionAspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interacts with Digestion Complex 4-20 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Digestion Complex 4-20 with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Bromelain
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.
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.
Papain
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Digestion Complex 4-20, from the product label.
Nikken Wellness Kenzen
See all Nikken Wellness Kenzen products- Name
- Nikken Inc.
- Street Address
- 2 Corporate Park, Suite 200
- City
- Irvine
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 92606
- Web Address
- www.nikken.com
Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen: Common Questions
Does Digestion Complex 4-20 by Nikken Wellness Kenzen interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What does each enzyme in this blend actually do?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
I have a pineapple or papaya allergy. Can I take this?
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
Will this help me digest food better if I have normal digestion?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Digestion Complex 4-20 is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Digestion Complex 4-20’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Lipase
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...
Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monographLactase
Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhe...
Read the full Lactase monograph → Herb & supplement monographPapain
Interacts with 2 drugsPapain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...
Read the full Papain monograph → Herb & supplement monographBromelain
Interacts with 141 drugsBromelain 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 → Herb & supplement monographProteolytic Enzymes (proteases)
Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...
Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monographPhytase
Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid (phytate) found in grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, which can free up minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium for absorption. It is widely used...
Read the full Phytase monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Digestion Complex 4-20'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 42 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.
Papain 11 references
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
- Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
- Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
- Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
- Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
- Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
- Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
- Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
- Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
- Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed
Bromelain 19 references
- Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
- Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
- 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
- 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.
- Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
- 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.
- Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
- 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
- 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
Lipase 1 reference
- Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed
Lactase 1 reference
- Laukkanen A, Ruoppi P, Remes S, Koistinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S. Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(2):89-93. PubMed
Phytase 7 references
- Lei XG, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ. Phytase, a new life for an "old" enzyme. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2013;1:283-309. PubMed
- Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, et al. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 PubMed
- van Heemst RC, Sander I, Rooyackers J, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase. Eur Respir J. 2009;33(6):1507-9. PubMed
- Baur X, Melching-Kollmuss S, Koops F, Strassburger K, Zober A. IgE-mediated allergy to phytase -- a new animal feed additive. Allergy. 2002;57(10):943-5. PubMed
- Doekes G, Kamminga N, Helwegen L, Heederik D. Occupational IgE sensitisation to phytase, a phosphatase derived from Aspergillus niger. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56(7):454-9. PubMed
- Brnic M, Hurrell RF, Songré-Ouattara LT, et al. Effect of phytase on zinc absorption from a millet-based porridge fed to young Burkinabe children. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(1):137-141. PubMed
- Koshy JC, Sharabi SE, Feldman EM, Hollier LH Jr, Patrinely JR, Soparkar CN. Effect of dietary zinc and phytase supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(4):507-12.
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
- 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
- Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
- 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 →
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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.
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