Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Double Strength Zymactive Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Double Strength Zymactive is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (510 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Pancreatic Enzymes 11x” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (292 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Double Strength Zymactive contains 6 active ingredients—digestive and pancreatic enzymes designed to help break down food. The main ones are bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), and a blend of pancreatic enzymes including amylase, protease, and lipase.

These are inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, an aqueous coating, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: systemic enzyme support for muscle joint and tissue health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Knee pain, Osteoarthritis, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling, Sprains — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Wound healing.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence for bromelain and papain in these uses is not established in the data we hold. Bromelain has been studied for hay fever, burns, cancer, nerve pain from chemotherapy, chronic venous insufficiency, and diabetes, but the evidence we have is rated insufficient to judge whether it works.

Papain similarly shows insufficient evidence for cancer, dental cavities, radiation skin damage, exercise-related muscle soreness, shingles, and parasite infections. Lipase has insufficient evidence for inflammatory bowel disease and indigestion.

The product is marketed for digestive support, but we don't have effectiveness ratings for that use in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Papain

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term; the evidence on long-term use is limited. Common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Allergic reactions—including trouble swallowing, throat itching, eye irritation, and even asthma if inhaled—can occur in sensitive people. Papain is generally tolerated as a food but supplements may irritate the digestive tract and cause allergies; high doses may cause serious stomach inflammation or esophageal perforation.

Protease and lipase are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people. Because bromelain is not safe in pregnancy and papain is possibly unsafe, you should avoid this product if you're pregnant.

Safety while breastfeeding is not well established for bromelain and papain; talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Papain

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 4 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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use any blood thinner or antiplatelet drug (such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel), because bromelain and papain may increase bleeding risk and papain may strengthen warfarin's effects dangerously. If you take tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain may increase how much your body absorbs.

We could not check two of the ingredients (Amylase Pancreatic and Serratia Peptidase) because we hold no interaction data for them.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a digestive-enzyme blend that may appeal to people looking for enzyme support, but the evidence for how well it works is not established in our data. The main concern is its interaction potential with blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and warfarin—if you take any of these, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

It's not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Discuss it with your own healthcare provider before starting, especially if you're on any prescription medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Double Strength Zymactive, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958017525
Net contents 30 Enteric Coated Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 220823
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), Gluten Free, 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 Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
15
UPC/BARCODE
068958017525
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain38.8 mg--
Enzyme Blend510 mg--
Papain171.44 mg--
Pancreatic Enzymes 11x292 mg--
Amylase, Pancreatic0 NP--
Protease, Pancreatic0 NP--
Lipase, Pancreatic0 NP--
Serratia Peptidase9.44 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Aqueous Coating solution, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass Spec Documentation Lab tested

Purity & Potency Guaranteed

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 1-2 tablets 2-3 times per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Formula

Zymactive is an advanced formula that provides systemic enzyme support for muscle, joint, and overall tissue health.

With serratia peptidase proteolytic enzymes

General Statements

Also available in regular strength.

Product of Canada Recyclable container and label.

USP (United States Pharmacopeia), FCC (Food Chemical Codex). PU (Papain Unit), SU (Serrapeptase Unit).

Formulation

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, salt, or GMOs.

Systemic enzyme support

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Isura is a trademark of Isura.

See for yourself

Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container15 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.

Enzyme Blend

510 mg per serving
  • Bromelain
  • Papain
  • › Pancreatic Enzymes 11x
  • › Serratia Peptidase

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Aqueous Coating solution, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Double Strength Zymactive?

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 Double Strength Zymactive 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 Double Strength Zymactive, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does Double Strength Zymactive by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Double Strength Zymactive 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?
Double Strength Zymactive contains 4 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Bromelain is not safe in pregnancy, and papain is possibly unsafe—concentrated papain and unripe papaya products are of particular concern. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown or not well studied for both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering it.
What are the most common side effects?
Bromelain and papain may cause diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, nausea, or headache. Allergic reactions—itching, hives, runny nose, sneezing—can occur in sensitive people. If you experience trouble swallowing or severe stomach pain, stop and contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Is this safe to take long-term?
The evidence on long-term safety is limited. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but we don't have solid data for extended use. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, run that past your doctor or pharmacist first.
What are these enzymes supposed to do?
These are digestive enzymes—bromelain breaks down protein in the stomach, papain does the same, and the pancreatic enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) help digest carbohydrates, protein, and fat. They're meant to support digestion, but we don't have established evidence for how well this product works for that purpose.
Can I take this with my antibiotics?
If you're on a tetracycline antibiotic (like doxycycline or tetracycline), bromelain may increase how much of the antibiotic your body absorbs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

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

Not sure if Double Strength Zymactive is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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

Double Strength Zymactive label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Double Strength Zymactive'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 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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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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