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Dietary supplement

HCl-Pepsin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Karuna

HCl-Pepsin label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking HCl-Pepsin 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

HCl-Pepsin is a dietary supplement by Karuna with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 36 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against HCl-Pepsin by Karuna

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with HCl-Pepsin by Karuna — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HCl-Pepsin 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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 6, 2026

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This capsule contains three active ingredients. Betaine hydrochloride and pepsin are digestive aids intended to support stomach function and protein breakdown.

Glutamic acid hydrochloride is the third active ingredient. The capsules also contain inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, rice flour, and gelatin.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether betaine hydrochloride works for indigestion (dyspepsia), hypothyroidism, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or hay fever — all are rated insufficient reliable evidence. Pepsin's effectiveness ratings are not on file in our data.

You won't find a clear answer here about whether this product does what it claims.

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

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine hydrochloride carries a real caution: it can irritate your stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it may make heartburn worse or damage a healing ulcer. Pepsin is generally well tolerated but can cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions.

During pregnancy, betaine hydrochloride should be avoided due to insufficient safety data; pepsin is also best avoided unless your doctor prescribes it. For breastfeeding, safety data on both is limited — pepsin is not recommended without medical guidance, and betaine hydrochloride should be avoided.

We hold no pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data for glutamic acid hydrochloride.

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

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 36 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 if you use proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole), H2-blockers (like famotidine), or antacids — betaine hydrochloride may reduce how well these medications work. 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 with no assessable stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is a digestive supplement meant to support stomach function, but the evidence for what it actually does isn't established in our data. If you take any medication that lowers stomach acid — especially a PPI, H2-blocker, or antacid — you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, because this product may weaken those medications' effects.

If you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux, skip it. Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Talk it over with your healthcare provider first.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2023.

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 HCl-Pepsin, straight from the product label.

Brand Karuna
Barcode (UPC) 018647031066
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 299263
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 HCl-Pepsin 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
018647031066
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride550 mg--
Pepsin175 mg--
Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride100 mg--

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Rice Flour, Gelatin

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

Betaine HCl, glutamic HCl, and pepsin

Brand IP Statement(s)

Karuna Responsible nutrition

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

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

Precautions

Caution: Patients with active peptic ulcer should consult their physician before use.

Formulation

This product contains no yeast, wheat, soy, corn, milk, salt, sugar, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

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.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

HCl-Pepsin by Karuna label

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

HCl-Pepsin label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in HCl-Pepsin by Karuna

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 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
550 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
175 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

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

Interaction report

HCl-Pepsin by Karuna Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HCl-Pepsin?

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
36Drugs
36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Betaine Hydrochloride 36

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in HCl-Pepsin interact with 36 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 3 ingredients in HCl-Pepsin interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Betaine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in HCl-Pepsin with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

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
Betaine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for HCl-Pepsin, 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

HCl-Pepsin by Karuna: Common Questions

Does HCl-Pepsin by Karuna interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HCl-Pepsin has a known interaction with 36 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
HCl-Pepsin contains 3 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 have acid reflux or GERD?
No — betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid, which can worsen reflux. If you have acid reflux, gastritis, or ulcers, this product is not safe for you.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advises against it. Betaine hydrochloride should be avoided during pregnancy, and pepsin is best avoided unless your doctor prescribes it. There isn't enough safety information for either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety during breastfeeding hasn't been well established for these ingredients. Pepsin is not recommended without medical advice, and betaine hydrochloride should be avoided. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it's right for you.
Does this product actually improve digestion?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether it works for indigestion or other digestive conditions — all the claimed uses are rated insufficient reliable evidence. We simply don't have clear data on its effectiveness.
What's pepsin, and why is it in here?
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in your stomach. It's included as a digestive aid, though rare cases of allergic reactions — particularly occupational airborne exposure — have been reported.

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

Not sure if HCl-Pepsin is safe with your meds?

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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.

HCl-Pepsin label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind HCl-Pepsin’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 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 limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HCl-Pepsin'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 5 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 →

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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