Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Betaine HCL 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solaray

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

Betaine HCL 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Solaray with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 128 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Papaya, Betaine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This capsule has four active ingredients: betaine hydrochloride, pepsin, glutamic acid hydrochloride, and papaya. Betaine hydrochloride is the acid source, meant to add hydrochloric acid to the stomach.

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins, and papaya is included as a plant ingredient with its own enzyme content. The product also lists maltodextrin, cellulose, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients.

These are fillers, binders, or processing aids that help make the capsule and are not meant to act on the body.

Does it work?

No specific claim
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
General wellness

This product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade against clinical evidence.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Digestive health”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

Betaine hydrochloride has been rated as insufficient reliable evidence to rate for dyspepsia, hypothyroidism, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis. Papaya has been rated the same way for aging skin, androgenic alopecia, gallbladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and diabetes.

In other words, the evidence for these uses has not been established in the data we hold. We have no effectiveness ratings on file for pepsin or glutamic acid hydrochloride.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Papaya

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate the stomach and is not recommended for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux. It may also cause heartburn, and in theory could irritate ulcers or slow their healing.

Pepsin is generally well tolerated for most adults but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Papaya fruit is generally well tolerated in food amounts, while nausea and vomiting have been reported with papaya leaf extract.

Papain can cause allergic reactions, and rare serious allergic reactions have been reported.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Papaya

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 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride, Papaya.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 128 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.

Double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use a blood thinner such as warfarin, a diabetes medicine, amiodarone, or levothyroxine, since papaya carries Moderate interactions with each. Acid-reducing medicines, including H2-blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors, carry Minor interactions with betaine hydrochloride.

Interactions for glutamic acid hydrochloride could not be checked, and no interactions are documented for pepsin in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may appeal to someone curious about digestive support, but the evidence for its uses has not been established. People with ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux should be especially careful with betaine hydrochloride.

Anyone who takes warfarin, diabetes medicine, amiodarone, levothyroxine, or acid reducers, or who is pregnant or breastfeeding, should talk it over with their own doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 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 Betaine HCL 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Solaray
Barcode (UPC) 076280048162
Net contents 180 VegCap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2025
DSLD ID 325917
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray, 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 VegCap(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 VegCap(s)
Servings per container
180
UPC/BARCODE
076280048162
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride250 mg--
Pepsin150 mg--
Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride100 mg--
Papaya100 mg--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Cellulose, 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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Solaray Est. 1973 A Brighter Way 1973

Formula

Betaine HCl with pepsin

Formulation

+ Digestive health

Discussion: This formula is intended to provide digestive support by promoting the production of hydrochloric acid and assisting in the breakdown of protein.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Lab Verified

General Statements

Since 1973 we've scoured the globe for the highest quality ingredients, connecting you with the most efficacious supplements that help you live brighter & embrace the moments that matter most.

100% PCR bottles

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product. Do not take this product when your meal consists only of salad or fruit. If you have hyper (high) acid stomach or ulcers, consult a physician before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Directions: Use only as directed.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Use only as directed. Take 1 vegcap with a meal.

Ideal for use after meals high in protein.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray

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

Serving size1 VegCap(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.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
250 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

Pepsin

No known
interactions
150 mg per serving

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

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride

100 mg per serving

Papaya

Interacts with
92 drugs
100 mg per serving

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is nutritious and generally safe to eat as food, and it contains an enzyme called papain used as a digestive aid and m...

Papaya monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Betaine HCL 250 mg?

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
128Drugs
92 Moderate 36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papaya 92

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Betaine HCL 250 mg 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.

Papaya4 drug types · 92 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, papaya extract may increase the levels and clinical effects of amiodarone.
Animal research in rats shows that a single oral dose of papaya extract, as well as multiple doses of papaya extract daily over 14 days, prior to a single dose of amiodarone delays the time to maximum amiodarone concentration. However, only the 14-day papaya extract regimen increases systemic amiodarone exposure by 60% to 70%. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects. It is unclear if other forms of papaya have the same effect.
A small low-quality clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes who are taking glibenclamide shows that taking a fermented papaya preparation 3 grams daily for 2 months decreases fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels when compared to baseline. Additionally, of the 25 patients in the study, 9 required a reduction in glibenclamide dose.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Theoretically, consuming large quantities of papaya fruit can reduce the clinical effects of levothyroxine.
In one case-report, a 37-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy who was stabilized on levothyroxine for 5 years presented with hypothyroidism after consuming 5-6 papaya fruits daily for 14 days during vacation. In a controlled re-challenge test involving 5-6 papayas daily, the patient remained euthyroid for 7 days, but developed mild hypothyroidism after 14 days. Both times, thyroid levels normalized 40-45 days after discontinuing papaya.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of warfarin with papain-containing papaya extract 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

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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Betaine HCL 250 mg, from the product label.

Solaray

See all Solaray products
Name
Solaray
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
ZipCode
84101
Phone Number
800-538-5888
Web Address
www.solaray.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCL 250 mg by Solaray interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Betaine HCL 250 mg has a known interaction with 128 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Betaine HCL 250 mg 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 while pregnant?
Betaine hydrochloride's safety notes say there is not enough safety information, so it is best avoided during pregnancy. Papaya has both a likely safe and a possibly unsafe pregnancy rating in our data, and its notes advise avoiding unripe papaya, latex, and seeds. Please talk with your own doctor or pharmacist for advice about your situation.
Is it okay while breastfeeding?
Betaine hydrochloride's safety notes say breastfeeding safety has not been established, so it is best avoided. Papaya is rated likely safe during lactation, while pepsin has little safety data and is not recommended without medical advice. Your own doctor or pharmacist can help you decide what fits your situation.
What does betaine hydrochloride do?
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity, which is why it is used as an acid source. It has been studied for dyspepsia, but the evidence has been rated insufficient to rate. Common side effects include heartburn, and it may irritate the stomach.
What side effects can pepsin cause?
Pepsin is generally well tolerated for most adults but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Rarely, exposure to pepsin has been linked to allergic reactions such as rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma in workplace settings.

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

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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.

Betaine HCL 250 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Betaine HCL 250 mg'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 19 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.

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 →

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 →

Papaya 14 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. 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.
  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. Blanco C, Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, et al. Class I chitinases as potential panallergens involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 1):507-13. PubMed
  6. Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, et al. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:681-7. PubMed
  7. Castillo, R., Delgado, J., Quiralte, J., Blanco, C., and Carrillo, T. Food hypersensitivity among adult patients: epidemiological and clinical aspects. Allergol.Immunopathol.(Madr.) 1996;24(3):93-97.
  8. Oderinde, O., Noronha, C., Oremosu, A., Kusemiju, T., and Okanlawon, O. A. Abortifacient properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (Linn) seeds on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Niger.Postgrad.Med J 2002;9(2):95-98. DOI
  9. Danese, C., Esposito, D., D'Alfonso, V., Cirene, M., Ambrosino, M., and Colotto, M. Plasma glucose level decreases as collateral effect of fermented papaya preparation use. Clin Ter. 2006;157(3):195-198.
  10. Iliev, D. and Elsner, P. Generalized drug reaction due to papaya juice in throat lozenges. Dermatology 1997;194(4):364-366. PubMed
  11. Andersen HA, Bernatz PE, Grindlay JH. Perforation of the esophagus after use of a digestant agent: report of case and experimental study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1959;68:890-6. PubMed
  12. Deiana L, Marini S, Mariotti S. Ingestion of large amounts of papaya fruit and impaired effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy. Endocr Pract 2012;18(1):98-100. PubMed
  13. Rodrigues M, Alves G, Francisco J, Fortuna A, Falcão A. Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction between Carica papaya extract and amiodarone in rats. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2014;17(3):302-15. PubMed
  14. Rajapakse S, de Silva NL, Weeratunga P, Rodrigo C, Sigera C, Fernando SD. Carica papaya extract in dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):265. PubMed

See these in context on the Papaya 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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