Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 13 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Polyzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BioCare

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Polyzyme is a dietary supplement by BioCare with 13 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. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Polyzyme by BioCare

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 13 of its 13 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Polyzyme contains 13 active digestive enzymes. Bromelain breaks down protein; lactase helps digest milk sugar; lipase handles fats; and the other ingredients — including protease, amylase, cellulase, and several others — target different carbohydrates and proteins in food.

These work together to help your digestive system break down a wide range of foods. The product also contains a few inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and medium chain triglycerides, which serve as capsule material and binders.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Optimum potency enzyme complex for broad spectrum support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Lactose intolerance, Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Postoperative swelling, Postoperative pain — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Rhinosinusitis, Wound healing, and more.

The evidence we have is limited. Bromelain has insufficient reliable evidence to rate for allergies (hay fever), burns, cancer, nerve damage from chemotherapy, circulatory conditions, and diabetes.

Lactase is effective for lactose intolerance, but has insufficient evidence for colic or use in premature infants. Lipase and the other enzyme ingredients have insufficient evidence for inflammatory bowel disease, indigestion, and other conditions.

The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for Polyzyme's use as a general digestive aid.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Lactase Lipase Phytase 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 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.

Most of these enzymes are generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. The most common side effects from bromelain are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Rare allergic reactions — including difficulty swallowing, throat itching, eye irritation, or asthma-like symptoms from inhaled powder — have been reported with bromelain and some of the protease enzymes, though these are occupational exposures rather than typical supplement use. A small number of workers exposed to powdered lactase and phytase have developed allergic reactions.

Long-term safety data for bromelain is limited. If you have a serious digestive condition, use lipase only under medical guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Lactase Lipase Phytase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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?
  • 1 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — 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.

If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or others), check with us before using Polyzyme — bromelain has a moderate interaction that may increase your bleeding risk. If you're on a tetracycline antibiotic (doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline), bromelain may raise your levels of the drug — a minor concern, but worth discussing with your pharmacist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Polyzyme is a broad-spectrum enzyme blend that may help with digestion, though the evidence for its effectiveness isn't well established in our data. If you take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first — bromelain can increase bleeding risk and may raise tetracycline levels.

Anyone with a known enzyme allergy should avoid it, and pregnant or breastfeeding people should talk to their doctor before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 13 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 24, 2024.

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 Polyzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand BioCare
Barcode (UPC) 5033290629304
Net contents 30 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 302265
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 Polyzyme by BioCare, 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
30
UPC/BARCODE
5033290629304
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain120 GDU--
Lactase500 ALU--
Lipase1500 FIP--
Cellulase400 CU--
Phytase5 FTU--
Xylanase1000 XU--
Amylase12000 DU--
Glucoamylase15 AGU--
Invertase450 SU--
Diastase16050 DP--
Protease 3.010 SAPU--
Protease 4.540000 HUT--
Alpha Galactosidase50 GALU--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Medium Chain Triglycerides

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: 1 capsule taken with each main meal, or as professionally directed.

Precautions

This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily intake. Do not purchase if the seal is broken. If you are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor before use. Caution is advised for individuals with colitis, gastritis, or ulcerative conditions of the stomach/intestine.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Vegetarian & vegan

Optimum potency enzyme complex for broad spectrum support

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Supplement

See for yourself

Polyzyme by BioCare label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Polyzyme by BioCare

These are the 13 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
120 GDU per serving

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Lactase

No known
interactions
500 ALU per serving

Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can red...

Lactase monograph & interactions

Lipase

No known
interactions
1500 FIP 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

Cellulase

400 CU per serving

Phytase

No known
interactions
5 FTU per serving

Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid (phytate) found in grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, which can free up minerals like iron, zinc, and c...

Phytase monograph & interactions

Xylanase

1000 XU per serving

Amylase

12000 DU per serving

Glucoamylase

15 AGU per serving

Invertase

450 SU per serving

Diastase

16050 DP per serving

Protease 3.0

No known
interactions
10 SAPU per serving

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

Protease 3.0 monograph & interactions

Protease 4.5

No known
interactions
40000 HUT per serving

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

Protease 4.5 monograph & interactions

Alpha Galactosidase

50 GALU per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Medium Chain Triglycerides. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Polyzyme by BioCare Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Polyzyme?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Polyzyme 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.

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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Polyzyme, from the product label.

BioCare

See all BioCare products
Name
UK - BioCare Ltd
Street Address
1 Hedera Road
State
Redditch
ZipCode
B98 9EY
Phone Number
+44 0121 433 3727
Web Address
www.biocare.co.uk
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Polyzyme by BioCare: Common Questions

Does Polyzyme by BioCare interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Polyzyme 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?
Polyzyme contains 13 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.
Is it safe to take Polyzyme if I'm pregnant?
Bromelain isn't recommended during pregnancy — there's not enough safety data. Lactase is likely safe, and lipase and the proteases haven't been well studied in pregnancy. You'll want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to weigh whether this blend is right for you.
What about breastfeeding?
Safety data during breastfeeding are limited or unknown for most ingredients in this product. Bromelain and the protease enzymes are best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise; lactase and lipase have limited data but may be considered with medical guidance.
Will Polyzyme help with bloating and gas?
Polyzyme contains multiple enzymes meant to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, so in theory it could help with digestion. However, we don't have strong evidence in our data that this blend is effective for bloating or gas specifically.
Are there any common side effects?
Most people tolerate these enzymes well. Bromelain can cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache in some users. Rare allergic reactions have occurred, usually in people handling the powder occupationally, but you should be aware of the possibility.
Is lactase in this product the same as lactase supplements for lactose intolerance?
Yes — lactase is an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar, and it's effective for lactose intolerance. In Polyzyme it's one of several enzymes, so the product is broader than a lactase-only supplement.

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

Not sure if Polyzyme 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.

Polyzyme label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Polyzyme’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Polyzyme'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 31 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 →

Lactase 1 reference
  1. Laukkanen A, Ruoppi P, Remes S, Koistinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S. Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(2):89-93. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactase 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 →

Phytase 7 references
  1. Lei XG, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ. Phytase, a new life for an "old" enzyme. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2013;1:283-309. PubMed
  2. Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, et al. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 PubMed
  3. van Heemst RC, Sander I, Rooyackers J, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase. Eur Respir J. 2009;33(6):1507-9. PubMed
  4. Baur X, Melching-Kollmuss S, Koops F, Strassburger K, Zober A. IgE-mediated allergy to phytase -- a new animal feed additive. Allergy. 2002;57(10):943-5. PubMed
  5. Doekes G, Kamminga N, Helwegen L, Heederik D. Occupational IgE sensitisation to phytase, a phosphatase derived from Aspergillus niger. Occup Environ Med. 1999;56(7):454-9. PubMed
  6. Brnic M, Hurrell RF, Songré-Ouattara LT, et al. Effect of phytase on zinc absorption from a millet-based porridge fed to young Burkinabe children. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(1):137-141. PubMed
  7. Koshy JC, Sharabi SE, Feldman EM, Hollier LH Jr, Patrinely JR, Soparkar CN. Effect of dietary zinc and phytase supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(4):507-12.

See these in context on the Phytase 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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