Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength 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
Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength is a dietary supplement by Genuine N-Zimes with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestion and bloating, muscle soreness and exercise recovery, inflammation and swelling.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
This product contains 4 active digestive enzymes. Protease breaks down proteins, lipase handles fats, and the other two — amylase and cellulase — work on carbohydrates and fiber.
There's also a proprietary blend of additional enzymes listed as a single ingredient. The capsule also contains plant fiber and water as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold doesn't establish how well these enzymes work. Lipase has been studied for inflammatory bowel disease and indigestion (dyspepsia), but the data is insufficient to rate its effectiveness for either one.
We have no effectiveness ratings for protease, amylase, or cellulase in our system.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Protease and lipase are generally well tolerated in most adults, though some people report digestive upset. There are rare reports of allergic reactions to protease, including occupational cases with respiratory symptoms from airborne enzyme exposure.
For pregnancy, protease safety hasn't been established and is best avoided unless your doctor prescribes it; lipase has little safety data in pregnancy, so use only if your doctor advises it. Both have limited data during breastfeeding — check with your healthcare provider before taking either one while nursing.
We could not check amylase and cellulase for safety information.
Meds to double-check
No known interactions
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. However, we were unable to verify amylase and cellulase against our medication database, so ask your pharmacist whether either of those might interact with your specific medications.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.
This is a straight digestive enzyme supplement — helpful if you're looking to support digestion, though the science behind it isn't strong yet. If you're pregnant, nursing, or have serious digestive problems, run this by your doctor or pharmacist first.
Talk it over with your own healthcare provider before adding it to your routine, especially if you take any medications.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Genuine N-Zimes |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 707636031117 |
| Net contents | 360 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 22, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 221154 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free |
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 Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Amylase | 0 NP | -- |
| Protease | 0 NP | -- |
| Lipase | 0 NP | -- |
| Cellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Proprietary N-Zimes Blend | 110 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula
Enzymes - The sparks of life Dr. Howell’s Original “Extra-Strength” Formula provides a double strength version of the one and only digestive enzyme blend developed by Dr. Edward Howell, the originator of food enzyme supplementation and author of the book Enzyme Nutrition. Since his original formula first became available in 1932, thousands of people have found it to be safe and effective in assisting the body’s natural digestion of the protein, sugar, starch, fat, and fiber in food. Based on his extensive clinical research, Dr. Howell created this unique N Zimes blend of highly active plant enzymes found only in Genuine N Zimes products today.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommended use: Take one (1) or two (2) capsules at the beginning of each meal with adequate liquid.
Precautions
Use only if tamper-evident seal is unbroken.
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Brand IP Statement(s)
n zimes is a registered trademark of National Enzyme Company.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent any disease.
General Statements
Since 1932
FDA Statement of Identity
Digestive Enzyme Supplement
Formulation
Contains no: Sucrose, salt, artificial colors/sweeteners/flavors, wheat, soy, yeast, or dairy products. Non-GMO
Vegetarian
GMP Compliant
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes 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 Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container180 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.
Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes Drug Interactions
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength, from the product label.
Genuine N-Zimes
See all Genuine N-Zimes products- Name
- WellZymes
- City
- Kansas City
- State
- MO
- ZipCode
- 64153
- Phone Number
- 1-800-228-1501
- Web Address
- www.wellzymes.com
Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes: Common Questions
Does Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength by Genuine N-Zimes interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will this enzyme supplement work for my digestion problems?
Is protease safe? I heard enzymes can cause allergies.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What's the difference between protease and lipase in this product?
Could this trigger a food allergy?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength 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 Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)
Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...
Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monographLipase
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...
Read the full Lipase monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Dr. Howell's Original Formula Extra-Strength'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 4 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.
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
- 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
- Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
- 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
- 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
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