Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

DuoZyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Karuna

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

DuoZyme is a dietary supplement by Karuna with 9 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, 87 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Glutamic HCl, Betaine Hydrochloride, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of DuoZyme by Karuna

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 6 of its 9 active ingredients.

DuoZyme contains nine ingredients, including five that support digestion. Amylase breaks down starches, papain breaks down proteins, protease also breaks down proteins, lipase breaks down fats, and bovine pepsin is another protein-digesting enzyme.

The formula also includes betaine hydrochloride and glutamic HCl (which increase stomach acid), plus bovine pancreatin and bovine ox bile extract to aid in nutrient absorption. The capsule contains inactive ingredients — silica, stearate, vegetable stearine, and maltodextrin — which are fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Moderate 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Fast-acting digestive enzyme support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn disease, Celiac disease — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Glutamine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Pancreatitis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Glutamine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Crohn disease, Radiation-induced diarrhea.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Dyspepsia, Celiac disease.

The evidence supporting DuoZyme's ingredients is limited. Papain, protease, and lipase have insufficient evidence to rate their use for the conditions they're marketed for — including digestive complaints, muscle soreness, and inflammation.

Glutamic HCl (glutamine) shows more promise: it's rated effective for sickle cell disease and possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related wasting, postoperative recovery, and critical illness. Betaine hydrochloride also lacks reliable evidence for any of its claimed uses.

The data we hold doesn't establish that DuoZyme works for general digestive support.

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 tolerated as a food but may irritate your digestive tract or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people — itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea are possible. Avoid concentrated papain and unripe papaya products in pregnancy due to safety concerns; avoid supplemental papain while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate the stomach and isn't safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux disease. Avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Glutamine commonly causes belching, bloating, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and GI pain — especially at higher doses. Rare cases of dizziness and mood changes (mania or hypomania) have been reported in people with bipolar disorder.

Protease and bovine pepsin may cause allergic reactions; occupational exposure to these enzymes has triggered asthma and allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals.

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?
  • 3 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Betaine Hydrochloride, Glutamine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; seizure medications.
  • For scale: 87 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.

If you take warfarin (a blood thinner), check with us first — papain in this product may increase its strength and bleeding risk. Also double-check if you're on H2-blockers (like famotidine), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole) for acid reflux, or anticonvulsants for seizures.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

DuoZyme is a multi-enzyme digestive formula with limited evidence for digestive support. If you take warfarin, an acid blocker, or an anticonvulsant, ask your pharmacist before starting it.

Stop if you develop allergic symptoms, digestive irritation, or heartburn, and talk with your healthcare provider if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux disease.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2025.

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 DuoZyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Karuna
Barcode (UPC) 018647031042
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2025
DSLD ID 327089
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 DuoZyme by Karuna, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
018647031042
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain100 mg--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Betaine Hydrochloride300 mg--
Glutamic HCl300 mg--
Bovine Pepsin40 mg--
Bovine Pancreatin300 mg--
Bovine Ox Bile extract120 mg--

Other ingredients: Silica, Stearate, Vegetable Stearine, Maltodextrin

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.
Formula

Fast-acting, full range digestive enzymes

Brand IP Statement(s)

Karuna Responsible Nutrition

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use for adults: Two or more capsules, taken with meals, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Precautions

Warning: Patients with active peptic ulcer should use HCI products with caution.

This product is intended for professional use and is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure the optimum in purity, potency and reliability.

Formulation

This product is intended for professional use and is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure the optimum in purity, potency and reliability.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place, tightly capped.

See for yourself

DuoZyme by Karuna label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in DuoZyme by Karuna

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 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.

Amylase

0 NP per serving

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
100 mg per serving

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 & interactions

Protease

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Protease monograph & interactions

Lipase

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
300 mg per serving

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 Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Glutamic HCl

Interacts with
50 drugs
300 mg per serving

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle c...

Glutamic HCl monograph & interactions

Bovine Pepsin

No known
interactions
40 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Bovine Pepsin monograph & interactions

Bovine Pancreatin

300 mg per serving

Bovine Ox Bile extract

120 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

DuoZyme by Karuna Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against DuoZyme?

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
87Drugs
52 Moderate 35 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in DuoZyme 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.

Glutamic HCl1 drug type · 50 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Betaine Hydrochloride3 drug types · 36 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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 DuoZyme, from the product label.

Karuna

See all Karuna products
Name
Karuna Corporation
Street Address
42 Digital Drive #7
City
Novato
State
CA
ZipCode
94949
Phone Number
800-826-7225
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

DuoZyme by Karuna: Common Questions

Does DuoZyme by Karuna interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, DuoZyme has a known interaction with 87 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
DuoZyme contains 9 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 DuoZyme if I'm pregnant?
Betaine hydrochloride and glutamic HCl should be avoided in pregnancy — there isn't enough safety data. Papain is a concern too, especially concentrated forms and unripe papaya products. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product while pregnant.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
No — the safety data for supplemental papain, betaine hydrochloride, glutamic HCl, protease, and lipase during breastfeeding is either absent or too limited. Check with your healthcare provider before taking it.
What side effects might I experience?
Papain can cause allergic reactions (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, cramps, diarrhea) in sensitive people. Glutamine commonly causes bloating, gas, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — especially at higher doses. Betaine hydrochloride may cause heartburn. Stop and contact your pharmacist if you develop allergic symptoms or severe digestive upset.
Does this help with digestion?
The evidence backing these enzymes for digestive complaints is insufficient — we don't have reliable data showing they work for that purpose. Glutamine is the only ingredient with solid evidence, but only for sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDS-related wasting, not general digestion.
Why does this product have acid-boosting ingredients like betaine hydrochloride?
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid to support protein digestion. But it can irritate your stomach and shouldn't be used if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux disease.
Can I take this with my digestive medications?
Not without checking first. Betaine hydrochloride in this product can reduce the effects of H2-blockers, antacids, and PPIs. Use the medication checker on this page or talk with your pharmacist before combining them.

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

Not sure if DuoZyme 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.

DuoZyme label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind DuoZyme’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

DuoZyme'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 28 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 →

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 →

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. 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
  2. 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 →

Glutamine 11 references
  1. Miller AL. Therapeutic considerations of L-glutamine: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:239-48..
  2. Bozzetti F, Biganzoli L, Gavazzi C, et al. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized study. Nutrition 1997;13:748-51.. PubMed
  3. Mebane AH. L-Glutamine and mania. Am J Psychiatry 984;141:1302-3.
  4. Meldrum BS. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the brain: review of physiology and pathology. J Nutr 2000;130:1007S-15S.. PubMed
  5. Garlick PJ. Assessment of the safety of glutamine and other amino acids. J Nutr 2001;131:2556S-61S.. PubMed
  6. Chapman AG. Glutamate and epilepsy. J Nutr 2000;130:1043S-5S.. PubMed
  7. Ziegler TR. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplantation and high dose chemotherapy. J Nutr 2001;131:2578S-84S.. PubMed
  8. Laviano A, Molfino A, Lacaria MT, Canelli A, De Leo S, Preziosa I, Rossi Fanelli F. Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients. A pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Nov;68(11):1264-6. PubMed
  9. Endari (l-glutamine) [package insert]. Torrance, CA: Emmaus Medical,Inc; 2017.
  10. Niihara Y, Miller ST, Kanter J, et al. A Phase 3 Trial of l-Glutamine in Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med 2018;379(3):226-35. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1715971.
  11. Ogden HB, Child RB, Fallowfield JL, et al. Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Low, Medium and High Dose Acute Oral l-Glutamine Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):2953. PubMed

See these in context on the Glutamine 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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