Are There Drugs That Interact With Eating Fresh Pineapple?
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Can Eating Fresh Pineapple Interact With Medications?

Can Eating Fresh Pineapple Interact With Medications?
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Updated on August 11, 2025
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With its lightly sweet aroma and tart flavor, pineapple is a nutritious snack that’s packed with vitamin C. Pineapple offers numerous health benefits — and, in general, it can be a great addition to your diet. Skewer it onto a kebab, blend it into a smoothie, grill it, or simply eat a slice. But if you’re taking certain medications, you may need to be a bit careful about eating pineapple, due to potential drug interactions.

To avoid any negative reactions, talk to your doctor about your diet and whether pineapple might interact with any medications you’re taking.

Bromelain in Pineapple

Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Bromelain has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties.

Bromelain has been studied as a treatment for osteoarthritis, sinusitis, surgical wounds, cardiovascular health, and digestive health, and emerging research suggests that it may help inhibit the growth of tumor cells.

While bromelain is generally considered safe, some people who consume it may experience mild side effects, including gastrointestinal problems like nausea and diarrhea, or allergic reactions. Bromelain may also interact with certain medications, including some anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and blood thinners.

Bromelain and Drug Interactions

Research suggests that bromelain may increase the absorption of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and tetracycline. It may also increase the absorption of chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and vincristine, as well as the effects of sedative drugs such as benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, opioids, and barbiturates.

Additionally, bromelain affects the body’s blood-clotting abilities. When combined with medications that slow or prevent blood clotting — such as anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs — studies have shown that it can significantly increase your risk of bruising or bleeding. Bromelain can also negatively interact with blood pressure medications, specifically ACE inhibitors.

But it’s important to note that studies on bromelain involve doses that are significantly higher than what you’d get from a serving of fresh pineapple (much of the bromelain in pineapple is in the stem and the core).

Other Possible Adverse Effects of Eating Pineapple

Typically, eating fresh pineapple will not cause any harmful side effects, though it can cause nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, and vomiting in people who are sensitive or allergic to it.

 Excessive consumption might cause swelling or tenderness of the mouth, cheeks, and tongue. Also, it’s important to note that unripe pineapple is toxic, and eating it can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.

The Takeaway

  • Pineapple is packed with nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet — in moderation.
  • An enzyme in pineapple, bromelain, appears to have a number of beneficial anti-inflammatory properties, but it can interact with certain medications, especially certain antibiotics and blood thinners.
  • If you’re concerned about your pineapple consumption and whether it might interfere with any medications you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Kansakar U et al. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms. Nutrients. June 2, 2024.
  2. Chakraborty AJ et al. Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview From a Pharmacological Perspective. Life. April 6, 2021.
  3. Food Allergy Research & Resource Program: Fruits. University of Nebraska–Lincoln: Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
  4. Allergy Information For: Pineapple (Ananas comosus). The University of Manchester: Academic Health Science Centre.
  5. Wijeratnam SW. Pineapple. Encyclopedia of Food and Health. 2016.
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Stephanie Young Moss, PharmD

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