What Happens If I Accidentally Take Two Digestive Enzymes?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, many people who accidentally take a double dose of digestive enzymes report mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress. However, the severity of symptoms can depend on the specific supplement and individual sensitivity. Understanding what happens if I accidentally take two digestive enzymes is crucial for safely managing your health and knowing when to consult a medical professional.

Quick Summary

Taking two digestive enzymes by mistake typically results in mild, temporary digestive upset, such as bloating, cramping, or diarrhea. The risk of serious harm is low, but symptoms vary depending on the dosage and individual. It is generally advised not to take a missed dose again and to return to the normal schedule.

Key Points

Mild symptoms are common: An accidental double dose often causes mild, temporary side effects like bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
Most excess passes harmlessly: For healthy individuals, the body processes excess enzymes without serious harm, and the extra quantity is eliminated.
Skip the next dose: Do not take another dose to make up for the mistake; simply continue with your normal schedule.
Know when to seek medical help: Severe abdominal pain, allergic reactions, or signs of a rare bowel disorder require immediate medical attention.
Differences between OTC and Prescription: Over-the-counter enzymes are less potent than prescription versions and carry lower risk.
Hydrate and eat bland food: To manage mild discomfort, drink plenty of water and eat simple, easily digestible meals.
Rely on doctor's advice: Long-term self-treatment is discouraged; consult a healthcare provider to determine the root cause of digestive issues and the appropriate course of action.

What to Expect After an Accidental Double Dose

For most individuals, accidentally taking a double dose of digestive enzymes is not a cause for a major alarm. Most over-the-counter formulations are generally well-tolerated, and excess enzymes may simply pass through the digestive tract without significant issue. Your body is remarkably resilient and often processes the extra enzymes with minor, temporary side effects. Common reactions are typically confined to the digestive system and resolve on their own as the excess passes through.

Common Side Effects of Too Many Digestive Enzymes

Gastrointestinal discomfort: An overload of enzymes can disrupt the natural balance of your digestive system, potentially leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping.
Diarrhea or loose stools: The accelerated breakdown of food can overwhelm the intestines, resulting in diarrhea as the body tries to flush out the excess.
Nausea: Some people may experience mild nausea as their stomach adjusts to the increased enzymatic activity.
Changes in bowel movements: You might notice a change in the consistency or frequency of your stools.

Managing Mild Symptoms at Home

If you experience minor side effects, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort. Most symptoms will resolve on their own within 24 hours.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your system process the enzymes and prevent dehydration, especially if you experience diarrhea.
Eat simple, bland foods: Opt for easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, or toast to give your digestive system a rest. Avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy foods until symptoms subside.
Skip your next dose: Do not double up to 'catch up' on a missed dose. Simply return to your regular dosing schedule with your next meal.
Rest: Give your body time to recover. Mild discomfort is a sign that your digestive system is working overtime, and rest can aid the process.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

While a single accidental double dose is rarely serious for healthy adults, certain situations warrant medical attention. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, are on other medications, or experience severe symptoms, it's always best to err on the side of caution.

Severe abdominal pain: Intense, persistent pain or cramping is not a typical reaction and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Allergic reaction: Look for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of fibrosing colonopathy: This is a rare complication of chronic high doses of pancreatic enzymes, but symptoms like severe abdominal distension and persistent constipation should be addressed by a healthcare provider.
Unexpected or worsening symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen over time, consult your doctor.

Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Enzymes

The type of enzyme you take significantly impacts the risk profile of a double dose. Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements are less potent and regulated than prescription versions, which are often concentrated for serious conditions like pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.


Feature	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Enzymes	Prescription Pancreatic Enzymes
Regulation	Not strictly regulated by the FDA; quality and concentration can vary.	Tightly regulated by the FDA; dosage is precise and standardized.
Potency	Generally lower potency, often derived from plant or microbial sources.	High potency, specifically formulated to supplement pancreatic function.
Double Dose Impact	Typically results in mild, transient digestive upset.	Can increase the risk of side effects, especially with high doses over time.
Medical Oversight	Often taken without medical supervision.	Prescribed and monitored by a doctor for a specific medical condition.
Example	Lactase for lactose intolerance.	Creon for pancreatic insufficiency.

The Importance of Doctor Consultation

Using digestive enzymes without proper medical guidance can have unwanted consequences. If you frequently experience digestive issues, it’s a sign that you should consult a doctor to determine the root cause, rather than self-treating with supplements. Your doctor can run tests to see if you have a true enzyme deficiency and prescribe the correct type and dosage if necessary. Over-reliance on supplements may also inhibit your body's natural enzyme production over the long term.

Conclusion: Stay Calm, Monitor Symptoms, and Proceed with Caution

An accidental double dose of digestive enzymes is usually not a cause for alarm. For most healthy individuals, the resulting symptoms are mild and temporary, such as bloating or diarrhea, and can be managed at home. However, it's a valuable reminder of the importance of following dosage instructions carefully. Always monitor your body's response, and if you experience severe pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or have pre-existing health conditions, contact a healthcare professional immediately. The best practice is to return to your normal schedule with your next meal and avoid doubling up.

Natural Sources of Digestive Enzymes

Incorporating foods with natural enzymes can also support your digestive health without the risks associated with supplementing. Foods like pineapple (bromelain) and papaya (papain) are well-known for their enzymatic properties. Other beneficial foods include avocados, kiwi, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. By focusing on a balanced, whole-food diet, you can support your body's natural digestive processes and minimize reliance on supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy people, accidentally taking a double dose is not harmful and typically results in mild, temporary digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. The severity depends on the dose and individual sensitivity.

First, don't panic. For mild symptoms, drink plenty of water and rest. Do not take another dose to compensate. Continue with your regular schedule at your next meal and monitor your symptoms.

Common side effects include abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Some people may also experience nausea or changes in their bowel movements.

Seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat. Those with pre-existing conditions should also consult their doctor.

Yes. An accidental double dose is a one-time mistake, whereas an overdose typically refers to taking a significantly higher dose than recommended, often repeatedly, which increases the risk and severity of side effects.

Long-term over-reliance on digestive enzymes without a diagnosed deficiency may inhibit the body's natural production, but this is different from a single double dose.

No. Over-the-counter enzymes are generally less potent and carry a lower risk of severe side effects from an accidental double dose compared to the high-potency, medically monitored prescription pancreatic enzymes.