Meta Information
ID:bromelain
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Bromelain possesses fibrinolytic and antiplatelet properties, which can significantly increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking bromelain if you are on blood-thinning medications unless specifically approved by your doctor.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
48
Description:
Due to its effects on blood clotting, bromelain increases the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue bromelain at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery and do not resume until cleared by your surgeon.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Individuals with conditions like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease have an inherently higher risk of bleeding, which is exacerbated by bromelain's anticoagulant properties.
Actionable advice:
Avoid bromelain completely if you have any type of bleeding disorder.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of bromelain during pregnancy is not established, and there are theoretical concerns it could stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development.
Actionable advice:
Avoid bromelain completely during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if bromelain or its metabolites pass into breast milk or what their effects might be on a nursing infant; therefore, it is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid bromelain completely while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/condition/pineapple-latex-allergy
Target name:
Allergy to Pineapple, Latex, or Certain Pollens
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Individuals with allergies to pineapple, latex, birch, carrot, celery, or grass pollens may experience a cross-reactive allergic reaction to bromelain, which is derived from pineapple.
Actionable advice:
Avoid bromelain if you have a known allergy to pineapple or related substances.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal (for Systemic Use)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
When taken with food, bromelain acts as a digestive enzyme on the meal's proteins, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream for systemic anti-inflammatory effects.
Actionable advice:
For anti-inflammatory benefits, take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Target id:
/dietary/high-protein-meal
Target name:
Protein-Containing Meal (for Digestive Use)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
To function as a digestive aid for protein, bromelain must be present in the stomach with the food it is intended to break down.
Actionable advice:
For digestive support, take directly with a protein-containing meal.
Target id:
/class/chelating-antibiotics
Target name:
Certain Antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Tetracyclines)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Bromelain may increase the absorption and concentration of certain antibiotics like amoxicillin and tetracyclines, potentially enhancing their effects but also their side effects.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before combining; a dose adjustment of the antibiotic may be necessary.
Target id:
/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease
Target name:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The proteolytic (protein-digesting) nature of bromelain could theoretically irritate or worsen existing stomach or duodenal ulcers.
Actionable advice:
Avoid bromelain if you have active peptic ulcer disease.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Supplements with Blood-Thinning Effects
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining bromelain with other supplements that affect blood clotting (e.g., ginkgo, garlic, high-dose fish oil, ginger, vitamin E) can increase the cumulative risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Use caution and consult a healthcare provider when combining multiple supplements with blood-thinning properties.
Target id:
/intervention/quercetin
Target name:
Quercetin
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Bromelain is believed to enhance the absorption of quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, leading to a combined synergistic effect.
Actionable advice:
Take together with quercetin to potentially enhance its bioavailability and effects.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Certain Chemotherapy Agents
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Preliminary research suggests bromelain may alter the effects of certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g., 5-fluorouracil, vincristine). This interaction is unpredictable and requires medical supervision.
Actionable advice:
Do not use with chemotherapy unless under the direct supervision of an oncologist.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Bromelain may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which could be additive when taken with antihypertensive drugs, theoretically increasing the risk of hypotension.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure if combining bromelain with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Alcohol)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is a theoretical possibility that bromelain could increase the sedative effects of central nervous system depressants, though clinical evidence is limited.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for increased drowsiness if combining with sedative medications or alcohol.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
While not a direct contraindication, the metabolism of bromelain in individuals with severe liver disease is not well understood. Caution is advised.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using if you have significant liver disease.
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The clearance of bromelain in individuals with severe kidney disease is not well understood. Caution is advised.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using if you have significant kidney disease.