Papain

Brand Names

Accuzyme, AllanEnzyme, Ethezyme 650, Ethezyme 830, Gladase, Kovia, Pap-Urea, Panafil (obsolete), Panafil White, Ethezyme, Ziox (obsolete), Gladase-C (obsolete), Allanfil (obsolete), Accuzyme SE, Panafil SE (obsolete), Kovia 6.5, Paptase

What is Papain

Papain is a medication that contains substance taken from the papaya fruit. Papain breaks down certain proteins. It is also used to break down dead skin or tissues in lesions such as bed sores, ulcers, burns, surgical wounds, cysts and carbuncles. This procedure is sometimes called debridement.


Side effects of Papain

Papain may have some side effects such as:

  • allergic reaction
  • hives
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
  • stinging or burning of the skin


Indication

Papain is a substance from the papaya fruit that is supposed to kill some proteins. Papain can be used for debridement as it breaks down dead skin or tissues in a lesion such as bed sore, ulcer, burn, surgical wound, cyst and carbuncle. So, these tissues can then be more easily removed.


Precautions

You should not use Papain if you have any allergies. You should be careful with Papain if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.


Dosage forms

The usual adult dose of Papain for dermatologic lesion is 830,000 units/g-10% topical ointment or foam.

The recommended adult dose of Papain for burns is 830,000 units/g-10% topical ointment or foam.

The normal adult dose of Papain for wound debridement is 830,000 units/g-10% topical ointment or foam.