Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Cooper Co.

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

Digestive Enzymes is a dietary supplement by Douglas Cooper Co. with 8 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co.

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Multi-Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (530 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 8 active ingredients: amylase, papain, bromelain, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase, and acid protease. Amylase breaks down starch; protease and acid protease break down protein; lipase breaks down fat; lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugar); and cellulase breaks down plant fiber.

Papain and bromelain are enzymes extracted from papaya and pineapple, respectively, and also act on proteins. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: maltodextrin, cellulose, magnesium stearate, MCT oil, and silica.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: aid in food digestion.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Lactose intolerance, indigestion, bloating.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

Lactase is effective for lactose intolerance. For the other active ingredients—papain, bromelain, protease, lipase, cellulase, and acid protease—the evidence we hold is insufficient to establish whether they work for their intended uses in this supplement.

Many of papain and bromelain's rated purposes (cancer, exercise-induced muscle soreness, dental caries, among others) lack reliable evidence.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Lactase

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain is generally well tolerated as a food, but supplements may irritate your digestive tract and cause allergic reactions. Concentrated papain and unripe papaya should be avoided in pregnancy; avoid papain supplements during breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information.

At high doses, papain may cause severe stomach inflammation or esophageal perforation. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data are limited.

It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Common side effects include diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach upset.

Protease, acid protease, and lipase are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Lactase is generally well tolerated and likely safe in pregnancy.

If you have a serious digestive condition, check with your doctor before using these products.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Lactase

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?
  • 2 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, 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 taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin or any blood thinner (anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug), because papain and bromelain may increase bleeding risk. Also confirm if you're on tetracycline antibiotics, since bromelain may theoretically raise their levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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 multi-enzyme digestive supplement whose papain and bromelain ingredients can interact with blood thinners and some antibiotics. Lactase in the product is proven effective for lactose intolerance; the others lack established evidence.

If you take warfarin, any blood thinner, or tetracycline antibiotics, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it. Everyone should discuss this product with their own healthcare provider before taking it, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2021.

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 Digestive Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Cooper Co.
Net contents 120 Vcap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2021
DSLD ID 247294
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), 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 Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co., 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 Vcap(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vcap(s)
Servings per container
120
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Lactase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Acid Protease0 NP--
Proprietary Multi-Enzyme Blend530 mg--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, MCT, 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, take 1 Vcap 1 to 2 times daily with meals.

Formula

This supplement provides a comprehensive blend of vegetarian enzymes active in a broad pH range to aid in food digestion. Protease breaks down protein, Amylase breaks down starch, Lipase breaks down fat, Cellulase breaks down fiber, and Lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugar). Papain and Bromelain are primarily protein digesting enzymes.

Digestive Enzymes With lactase, protease, papain & bromelain

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

Contains no sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.

Vegetarian/vegan product.

Supports healthy digestion

Brand IP Statement(s)

Vcaps is a registered trademark of Capsugel.

Precautions

Do not eat freshness packet. Keep in bottle.

To report a serious adverse event, or for product information, contact 1-800-234-8686

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Please recycle. Douglas Cooper Co. "Trace Minerals Make the Difference" Since 1950

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co. label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co.

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vcap(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 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 Multi-Enzyme Blend

530 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co. Drug Interactions

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 checker
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each 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.

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

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Digestive Enzymes, from the product label.

Douglas Cooper Co.

See all Douglas Cooper Co. products
Name
Douglas Cooper Co.
City
Carmel
State
IN
ZipCode
46032
Phone Number
1-800-234-8686
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co.: Common Questions

Does Digestive Enzymes by Douglas Cooper Co. interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive Enzymes 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?
Digestive Enzymes contains 8 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Papain should be avoided during pregnancy because the safety data advise against it. Bromelain should also be avoided during pregnancy. Lactase is likely safe. For the others—protease, acid protease, lipase, and cellulase—there isn't enough data to know either way. Talk with your doctor before taking any of these supplements while pregnant.
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
Papain, bromelain, protease, and acid protease should be avoided during breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Lactase is likely safe. Lipase and cellulase have limited or no data. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product while breastfeeding.
Can this help with lactose intolerance?
Yes—lactase, one of the enzymes in this product, is effective for lactose intolerance. It breaks down lactose (milk sugar) so your body can digest it.
What are the most common side effects?
Bromelain most commonly causes diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache. Papain and the proteases may cause allergic reactions or digestive upset in sensitive people. Lactase is well tolerated.
Does this product work for digestion in general?
Lactase is proven effective for lactose intolerance. For the other enzymes in this product—papain, bromelain, protease, lipase, cellulase, and acid protease—the evidence we hold is not sufficient to establish whether they work for general digestion.
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
Don't start this product if you're on warfarin or any blood thinner without checking with your doctor first. Papain and bromelain may increase your bleeding risk.

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

Not sure if Digestive Enzymes is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Digestive Enzymes label
Go deeper

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.

Sources

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.

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 35 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
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. 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
  11. 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

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

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 →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. 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
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. 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 →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. 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

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Lactase 1 reference
  1. 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

See these in context on the Lactase 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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