Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by 4Life
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Digestive Enzymes 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
Digestive Enzymes is a dietary supplement by 4Life with 16 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.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 Digestive Enzymes by 4Life
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Digestive Enzymes by 4Life — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
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 Digestive Enzymes by 4Life
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
This capsule contains 16 active digestive enzymes designed to break down different components of food. Amylase, glucoamylase, and alpha-galactosidase work on carbohydrates; lipase breaks down fats; proteases and peptidase handle proteins; bromelain and papain are plant enzymes that also help with protein digestion; and the rest target fiber and other plant materials.
The blend also includes rice bran, a vegetable capsule, and water as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for most of these enzymes isn't established in the data we hold. Papain and bromelain both have insufficient reliable evidence for conditions like cancer, exercise soreness, and various other uses.
Lipase similarly shows insufficient evidence for inflammatory bowel disease and indigestion. The proteases we checked have no effectiveness ratings on file.
If you're looking at this product to support digestion, the evidence doesn't give us a clear answer either way.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Papain is generally well tolerated as a food, but the supplement form can irritate your digestive tract and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—especially itching, watery eyes, sneezing, and stomach cramps. High doses may be unsafe and could cause severe stomach inflammation or even perforation in rare cases.
Papain should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to safety concerns. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data is thin.
Common side effects are diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach; it may also cause allergic reactions. Bromelain should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Lipase has no reported adverse effects in adults, though safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. The proteases are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; safety in pregnancy is uncertain, and medical advice is best before using while breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on warfarin (a blood thinner)—papain may increase its effect and your bleeding risk. Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel (from bromelain) also need a conversation.
If you take tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain might change how much your body absorbs—worth confirming.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This enzyme blend may help with digestion, but the evidence isn't clear. If you take warfarin or other blood thinners, or tetracycline antibiotics, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—the enzymes could affect how these drugs work.
People with sensitive digestive systems or allergies to papaya or pineapple should be cautious. Check with your own doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your routine.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 5 of 16 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 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 Digestive Enzymes, straight from the product label.
| Brand | 4Life |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 90 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 25, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 211470 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher |
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 Digestive Enzymes by 4Life, 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 | -- |
| 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 | -- |
| Hemicellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease 4.5 | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease 3 | 0 NP | -- |
| Proprietary Enzyme Blend | 175 mg | -- |
| Acid Maltase | 0 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: Rice Bran, Vegetable Capsule, Water
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.
Formulation
Sixteen unique digestive enzymes to support digestive health Supports healthy digestive function promotes nutrient absorption May assist with gastrointestinal discomfort that can occur after eating What is Digestive Enzymes? Digestive Enzymes is a proprietary blend of 16 different enzymes that support digestive health by aiding in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; and, in turn, the absorption of nutrients. Aging, illness, and stress may reduce the number of digestive enzymes produced by the body, causing incomplete digestion and unwanted side effects such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence. Supplementing with Digestive Enzymes can make up for these temporary deficiencies and help ensure your body's ability to get the most out of the food you eat and maintain healthy function. Key Features Promotes the healthy breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats with a blend of multiple enzyme sources Supports the body's ability to more efficiently absorb nutrients Promotes regularity through healthy digestive support
Primary Support: Digestion
General Statements
Did you know? 4Life also offers Probiotics to further promote healthy digestive system function.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take one (1) to three (3) capsules with 8 oz of fluid. Best if taken with food.
Formula
Ko (Kosher)
Precautions
Contains Sulfites
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
2017 4Life Trademarks, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Seals/Symbols
Ko (Kosher)
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Digestive Enzymes by 4Life 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 Digestive Enzymes by 4Life
These are the 16 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.
Proprietary Enzyme Blend
- › Amylase
- › Papain
- › Bromelain
- › Lipase
- › Cellulase
- › Peptidase
- › Invertase
- › Glucoamylase
- › Alpha-Galactosidase
- › Xylanase
- › Pectinase
- › Beta-Glucanase
- › Hemicellulase
- › Protease 4.5
- › Protease 3
- › Acid Maltase
Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Bran, Vegetable Capsule, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Digestive Enzymes by 4Life Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
4Life's Digestive Enzymes can interact with medications through its papain and bromelain content.
The most serious concern is papain with warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner: papain may increase warfarin's effects and raise your bleeding risk. One case report documented a patient's blood-thinning level jump to a dangerous point after taking a papain-containing supplement.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Bromelain, another enzyme in this blend, may increase bleeding risk if you're taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel. There's also a minor interaction with tetracycline antibiotics — bromelain might increase how much tetracycline your body absorbs, though a study in healthy adults found no real difference at typical doses.
We couldn't check amylase, cellulase, peptidase, invertase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, xylanase, pectinase, beta-glucanase, hemicellulase, or acid maltase — we hold no interaction data for these. Lipase and the two proteases (Protease 4.5 and Protease 3) were checked and show no documented interactions.
Altogether, these interactions span 141 individual medications. Use the search tool on this page to check your exact drugs before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Digestive Enzymes?
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 Digestive Enzymes interact with 141 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 16 ingredients in Digestive Enzymes interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bromelain Papain
AbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes — 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 Digestive Enzymes 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 Digestive Enzymes, from the product label.
4Life
- Name
- 4Life
Digestive Enzymes by 4Life: Common Questions
Does Digestive Enzymes by 4Life interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I experience?
Does this actually help with digestion?
What do papain and bromelain actually do?
Are there any fillers in this?
Will this interact with my digestion medicine?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Digestive Enzymes 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 Digestive Enzymes’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Papain
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 monographLipase
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 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 →Sources & How We Checked
Digestive Enzymes'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 34 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
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Bromelain 19 references
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Lipase 1 reference
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Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
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See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
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