Chymotrypsin

See also : Enzymes
Other Names: A-Chymotrypsin, A-Chymotrypsine, Alpha-Chymotrypsin, Alpha-Chymotrypsine, Chymotrypsin A, Chymotrypsine A, Chymotrypsin B, Chymotrypsine B, Chymotrypsine, Chymotrypsinum, L-Chymotrypsin, L-Chymotrypsine, Quimotripsina.
Chymotrypsin is an enzyme. An enzyme is a substance that speeds up certain chemical reactions in the body.

• Chymotrypsin is safe when used in the eye by a healthcare professional. Chymotrypsin can cause side effects when used in the eye, including an increase in pressure in the eye and other eye conditions such as uveitis, paralysis of the iris, and keratitis.
• It also seems to be safe for most people when taken by mouth to reduce redness and swelling following surgery or injury, and when applied directly to the skin for burns.
• Not enough is known about the safety of chymotrypsin for its other uses.
• Rarely, chymotrypsin might cause an allergic reaction when taken by mouth. Symptoms include itching, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips or throat, shock, loss of consciousness, and death.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of chymotrypsin during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

• People take chymotrypsin by mouth or as a shot to reduce redness and swelling associated with pockets of infection (abscesses), ulcers, surgery, or traumatic injuries; and to help loosen phlegm in asthma, bronchitis, lung diseases, and sinus infections.
• It is also taken by mouth to reduce liver damage in burn patients; and to assist in wound repair.
• Chymotrypsin is sometimes breathed in (inhaled) or applied to the skin (used topically) for conditions that involve pain and swelling (inflammation) and for infections.
• During cataract surgery, chymotrypsin is sometimes used to reduce damage to the eye.