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Bromelain
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Description
Bromelain is a supplement used to treat muscle soreness, burns, indigestion, cancer, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), swelling/pain in your bones and joints, etc. It helps to reduce pain and swelling in your body. It also interferes with the growth of cancer cells and prevents blood clot formation. It is also effective in removing dead tissues from burn wounds.
Bromelain has some side effects like diarrhoea and upset stomach. The side effects are usually mild and may subside by themselves.
Bromelain should be taken according to your doctor's advise. Avoid taking more than the prescribed dose or for a longer duration. In case of undesired effects due to an overdose, consult your doctor immediately.
Bromelain is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have delayed blood clotting time, or any other medical condition before taking this medication.
Bromelain is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy data for use is not available. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Bromelain
Diarrhoea
Upset stomach
Mouth sores
Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet
Irregular menstrual periods
Uses of Bromelain
What is it prescribed for?
Sinusitis
Sinuses are hollow spaces located behind the forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes. Sinusitis is the swelling of the tissues surrounding the sinuses. Bromelain maybe used in the treatment of sinusitis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition characterized by tender and painful joints. It occurs when the protective cartilage that acts as a cushion between two ends of bones wears down. Bromelain is used to reduce pain and swelling in osteoarthritis.
Anti cancer
Bromelain is used in the treatment of cancer (over multiplication of cells). It reduces the growth of cancer cells and also boosts immunity in your body.
Indigestion
Indigestion refers to stomach discomfort. The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, the feeling of fullness with little intake of food, etc. Bromelain is used to treat indigestion.
Wound Healing
Bromelain is used to heal burns and remove dead skin.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The time at which Bromelain starts its action is not clinically established.Duration of effect
The time duration for which Bromelain remains active in your body is not clinically established.Safe with alcohol?
Avoid consuming alcohol with Bromelain as it may increase the sleep-inducing effect of alcohol.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Bromelain.Usage in pregnancy?
Bromelain is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.Usage while breast-feeding?
Bromelain is not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Avoid taking Bromelain if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Bromelain is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Bromelain is not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Blood pressure
Bromelain should be used with caution if you have low blood pressure as this medicine further decreases blood pressure.
Bleeding problem
Bromelain may prevent the formation of blot clots and increase the risk of bleeding.
Surgery
Bromelain may increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Hence, inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine before undergoing any surgery. This medicine should be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery.
Use in children
Bromelain is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data is not available.
Missed Dose
If you skip a dose of Bromelain, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose of Bromelain. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Avoid consuming alcohol with Bromelain as it may increase the sleep-inducing effect of alcohol.
Interaction with Medicine
Warfarin
Aspirin (low dose)
Captopril
Lisinopril
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Avoid taking Bromelain if you are allergic to pineapple as it may further cause allergic reactions.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Bromelain as instructed by your doctor.
Avoid taking more or less than the prescribed dose. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Take this medicine for the recommended duration. Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Bromelain works by reducing pain and swelling in your body.
It interferes with the growth of cancer cells.
It prevents the formation of blood clots.
It is also effective in removing dead tissues from burn wounds.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Digestive enzymes, Anti-inflammatory agents
Schedule
Schedule H
2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Mount Sinai Health System. 2021. Bromelain Information | Mount Sinai - New York. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 2021. Bromelain. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 28 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 28 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.