Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Swanson
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 Swanson with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 169 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Betaine HCl, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Digestive Enzymes by Swanson
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Digestive Enzymes by Swanson — 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 Swanson
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
Full disclosure
Swanson's Digestive Enzymes contains 7 active ingredients designed to help break down food. Bromelain and papain are proteases — enzymes that break down proteins — along with pancreatin, which handles proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Cellulase breaks down fiber, diastase breaks down carbohydrates, and betaine HCl is a stomach acid booster. Ox bile powder aids fat digestion.
The tablet also holds inactive ingredients like dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate, which are fillers and binders to hold the tablet together.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence on these digestive enzymes isn't established in the data we hold. Bromelain, papain, and betaine HCl all show insufficient reliable evidence for their proposed uses — whether that's hay fever, burns, dyspepsia, or other conditions.
This doesn't mean they don't work, just that high-quality proof isn't in our monographs. If you're considering this product for a specific health reason, it's worth asking your pharmacist what the current research actually shows.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, bromelain and papain are generally well tolerated short-term. The most common side effects are digestive — diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache with bromelain, and allergic reactions or GI disturbances with papain in sensitive people.
High doses of papain are unsafe. Betaine HCl can irritate your stomach and shouldn't be used if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux.
For pregnancy, the safety data advises against bromelain and betaine HCl — there isn't enough information to say it's safe. Papain specifically raises concerns because concentrated forms and unripe papaya products may be unsafe in pregnancy.
For breastfeeding, data on all three is either absent or too limited, so the facts recommend avoiding them. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or nursing and considering this product.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Double-check this product before you start if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin — bromelain and papain carry moderate and moderate-severity risks. Also verify if you're on acid reducers such as H2-blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), since betaine HCl may weaken them.
Tetracycline antibiotics are a minor concern with bromelain. No interactions are documented for diastase, cellulase, pancreatin 4x, or ox bile powder because we hold no data for them.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product may help with digestion in some people, though reliable evidence is scarce. If you take blood thinners like warfarin, acid-reducing medications, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your pharmacist before starting — interactions are documented.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first, because safety data is limited or advises against use.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 28, 2019.
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 | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 087614016689 |
| Net contents | 180 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 28, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 202728 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Bromelain | 10 mg | -- |
| Betaine HCl | 5 mg | -- |
| Papain | 30 mg | -- |
| Diastase | 80 mg | -- |
| Cellulase | 20 mg | -- |
| Pancreatin 4x | 250 mg | -- |
| Ox Bile powder | 150 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol
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.
General Statements
Aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats Supports healthy digestion and maximizes nutrient absorption Science-Backed Quality Since 1969
Digestive health Plant and animal based enzymes
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one tablet three times per day with food and water.
Precautions
Warning: For adults only.
Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if seal is broken.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
General
SW668 Rev 1 10 11 18
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Digestive Enzymes by Swanson 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 Swanson
These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.
Bromelain
Interacts with141 drugs
Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...
Bromelain monograph & interactionsBetaine HCl
Interacts with36 drugs
Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...
Betaine HCl monograph & interactionsPapain
Interacts with2 drugs
Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...
Papain monograph & interactionsDiastase
Cellulase
Pancreatin 4x
Ox Bile powder
Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Digestive Enzymes by Swanson Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Swanson's Digestive Enzymes contains three ingredients we have interaction data for, and they do interact with certain medications.
The most serious concern is papain, which may increase warfarin (a blood thinner) levels and effects — one case report documented a patient's blood-thinning level jump sharply after taking a papain-containing supplement. Bromelain, another enzyme in this product, may also increase bleeding risk if you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin; the effect is moderate, though evidence comes partly from lab work and one case of minor bruising.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Betaine HCl works differently — it increases stomach acid, which could reduce how well your acid-reducing medications work. That includes H2-blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Bromelain also has a minor interaction with tetracycline antibiotics (which fight bacterial infections), as it may theoretically raise their levels, though one study in healthy adults found no real difference.
We couldn't check four other ingredients in this product — diastase, cellulase, pancreatin 4x, and ox bile powder — so we hold no interaction data for them. Before you start, run your exact medications through the search tool on this page, especially if you take blood thinners, acid reducers, or antibiotics.
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 169 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 7 ingredients in Digestive Enzymes interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bromelain Betaine HCl Papain
Alginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAmoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia
How Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interactionAmphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionBismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, OpiumDiabismul
How Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Opium interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Opium interactionBismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, TetracyclineHelidac
How Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interactionCalcium CarbonateAdcal, Adcal-D3, Calcichew, Os-Cal, Tums
How Calcium Carbonate interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Calcium Carbonate interactionChlortetracyclineAureomycin
How Chlortetracycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Chlortetracycline interactionCimetidineCimetidine Injection, Tagamet, Tagamet HB
How Cimetidine interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclH2-blockers Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Cimetidine interactionDemeclocyclineDeclomycin
How Demeclocycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Demeclocycline interactionDexlansoprazoleDexilant Solutab
How Dexlansoprazole interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Dexlansoprazole interactionDihydroxyaluminum Sodium CarbonateRolaids
How Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate interactionDoripenemDoribax
How Doripenem interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Doripenem interactionDoxycyclineDoryx, Doxy, Doxy-D, Doxycin, Doxycycline Injection, Doxylin +6 more
How Doxycycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Doxycycline interactionDoxycycline HyclateActiclate, Acticlate Cap, Lymepak
How Doxycycline Hyclate interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Doxycycline Hyclate interactionDoxycycline MonohydrateErfacea
How Doxycycline Monohydrate interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Doxycycline Monohydrate interactionDoxycylineDoxychel
How Doxycyline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Doxycyline interactionEravacyclineXerava
How Eravacycline interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Eravacycline interactionEsomeprazoleNexium
How Esomeprazole interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Esomeprazole interactionEsomeprazole MagnesiumNexium 24hr
How Esomeprazole Magnesium interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Esomeprazole Magnesium interactionEsomeprazole StrontiumEsomeprazole Strontium
How Esomeprazole Strontium interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Esomeprazole Strontium interactionFamotidineFamotidine, Famotidine Injection, Pepcid, Pepcid AC
How Famotidine interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclH2-blockers Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Famotidine interactionLansoprazolePrevacid
How Lansoprazole interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Lansoprazole interactionLansoprazole, Amoxicillin, ClarithromycinPrevpac
How Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis) Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin interactionMagaldrateRiopan
How Magaldrate interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Magaldrate interactionMagnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate
How Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Betaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interactionMetronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate PotassiumPylera
How Metronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium interacts with Digestive Enzymes — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainTetracycline Antibiotics Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Bromelain + Metronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium 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.
Betaine HCl
Antacids
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.
H2-Blockers
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs
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.
Swanson
See all Swanson products- Name
- Swanson Health Products
- City
- Fargo
- State
- ND
- ZipCode
- 58104
- Phone Number
- 1-800-437-4148
- Web Address
- swanson.com
Digestive Enzymes by Swanson: Common Questions
Does Digestive Enzymes by Swanson interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What are digestive enzymes and what do they do?
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Will this work if I'm taking an acid-reducer like Prilosec or Tums?
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I notice?
Does this product actually work?
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.
Bromelain
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 monographBetaine Hydrochloride
Interacts with 36 drugsBetaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...
Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride 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 →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 32 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Bromelain 19 references
- 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
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Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
- Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
- Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed
See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →
Papain 11 references
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