Xepazym

Papain consists chiefly of a mixture of papain and chymopapain, proteolytic enzymes that hydrolyse polypeptides, amides, and esters, especially at bonds involving basic amino acids, or leucine or glycine, yielding peptides of lower molecular weight. It is used with urea as a topical debriding agent. It is also used for the removal of protein deposits from the surface of soft contact lenses ().

Preparations of papain, alone or combined with antibacterial agents and/or other substances, have been taken by mouth for their supposed anti-inflammatory properties, and it has also been used as an ingredient of various mixtures claimed to aid digestion.

Papain is widely used as a meat tenderiser and in the clarification of beverages.

Malignant neoplasms.

Papain has been included in proteolytic enzyme preparations used in oncology to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although the number of clinical studies on which to judge efficacy is limited, a review1 of such studies suggested that systemic enzyme therapy might be beneficial. Clinical studies have used a preparation containing papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin in a weight ratio of 5:2:2, and the beneficial effect seems to be based on its anti-inflammatory potential.

1-2 caplets 3 times daily. Prep for radiography 2 caplets 3-4 times daily for 2 days before exam & 2 caplets on an empty stomach in the morning before exam.

Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus.

none known

Hypersensitivity reactions have occurred.

Effects on the eyes.

Ocular and periorbital angioedema occurring within 4 hours of use of a contact lens cleansing solution containing papain has been reported.1

Extensive destruction of the oesophageal wall, with perforation, resulted from the use of a papain suspension given to treat an obstruction caused by impacted meat.1 The patient had been given 1.2 g of papain over a 12-hour period. Ten days after a thoracotomy, the descending thoracic aorta ruptured, and she died from haemorrhage.