Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Chymopsin
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Chymopsin is a lyophilisate used to make solutions for external use.
[ 1 ]
Indications Chymopsin
It is used locally to stop inflammation, accelerate healing, and reject dead tissue. In addition, to facilitate the discharge of sputum, as well as to break down exudative and transudative proteins (in ophthalmological, surgical, therapeutic and otolaryngological practice):
- treatment of bedsores and, along with them, trophic ulcers, as well as certain types of pyoderma, in which massive tissue decomposition is observed (ecthyma or opening furuncles, etc.);
- cleaning of purulent wound surfaces that have arisen after a third-degree thermal burn from dead tissue and pus, and also accelerating the formation of fresh granulations; also for bedsores;
- treatment of inflammatory pathologies in the upper respiratory tract, as well as in the lungs: diseases such as bronchitis with tracheitis, pulmonary abscess, pneumonia and bronchial asthma with bronchiectasis;
- in surgery – to prevent the development of complications after surgical procedures on the lungs (elimination of malignant tumors and inflammation in the chronic form of bronchiectasis and abscesses)), and also to treat complications that have already appeared as a result of such operations;
- in otolaryngology – elimination of chronic purulent otitis, rhinitis, in which there is viscous and abundant discharge, as well as purulent forms of sinusitis;
- in ophthalmology – treatment of corneal diseases (ulcers, as well as herpetic keratitis); the medicine helps to reject dead tissue layers and also accelerates healing.
[ 2 ]
Release form
Available in vials (5 ml/50 mg). Inside a separate package there are 10 vials with lyophilisate.
Pharmacodynamics
An enzymatic medicine with proteolytic properties that breaks down dead tissue without affecting living areas (this effect is facilitated by the presence of specific antienzymes).
Stimulates the liquefaction of viscous exudates and secretions. Hydrolyzes peptones with proteins with the subsequent formation of low-molecular peptides, and in addition, breaks down bonds formed with the participation of aromatic amino acid residues (such as troptophan, methionine and phenylalanine with tyrosine).
[ 3 ]
Dosing and administration
To treat respiratory pathologies, the medicine is dissolved (dosage 25-30 mg) in distilled water (5 ml), and then introduced into the respiratory system using an inhaler, tracheostomy tube, and an endotracheal probe with a bronchoscope. The number of inhalations is 1-3 times a day for several days (the exact number depends on the existing indications). Bronchodilators and antibiotics, which enhance the properties of Chymopsin, are also allowed to be introduced into the solution.
During the treatment of chronic rhinitis, irrigate or instill into the nasal cavity 2-3 times a day (dissolve 5 mg of the drug in 5 ml of sodium chloride solution (0.9%)).
When treating chronic purulent otitis complicated by cholesteatoma, it is necessary to instill a solution (0.5%) into the ear 2-3 times a day (before the procedure, it is necessary to rinse the ear with a solution (0.9%) of sodium chloride).
In the process of eliminating third-degree thermal burns, a thin layer of solution (ratio 1 g/100 cm2 of wound area) should be applied to the resulting scab , and then covered with a bandage, which is pre-soaked in a solution (0.9%) of sodium chloride or procaine (0.25%). Another bandage should be applied on top of it - a waterproof one. This will slow down drying. These bandages should be changed every other day.
Bedsores and purulent wounds should be treated with a solution in a dosage of 25-50 mg (diluted with a solution of procaine (0.25%) 10-50 ml). Then soak sterile gauze tampons in the medicine and apply to the wound for 2-24 hours (the exact time depends on the thickness of the layer of pus and dead tissue). Dressings with Chymopsin should be changed every 3-5 days.
To remove corneal burns, ulcers or keratitis, it is necessary to make eye baths from the solution for 2-3 days (ratio 1:500), or instill 2 drops of a 0.25% solution (prepared ex tempore) four times a day for 1-2 days.
To eliminate obstruction of the tear ducts, as well as wounds on the skin of the eyelids, the medicine is used in the form of a 1% solution (prepared ex tempore) - to wash the tear ducts or irrigate the surface of the wound.
[ 5 ]
Use Chymopsin during pregnancy
There is no information on the use of Chymopsin in pregnant or lactating women.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- malignant tumors;
- pulmonary tuberculosis in a destructive form;
- chronic heart failure (grade 2-3);
- pulmonary emphysema against the background of respiratory failure.
It is prohibited to treat ulcerated areas of malignant neoplasms with the solution, as well as to inject it into bleeding cavities.
Caution is required when treating respiratory pathologies in people with active acute tuberculosis.
[ 4 ]
Side effects Chymopsin
The solution may cause allergic-type side effects in the patient.
When administered by inhalation: sometimes the voice becomes hoarse and the mucous membranes inside the respiratory tract become irritated. A rapidly passing subfebrile fever is also observed.
For ophthalmological use: development of edema and irritation in the conjunctiva area is possible. To eliminate the disorder, the concentration of the solution used should be reduced.
Storage conditions
The solution must be stored in a place protected from sunlight and moisture, inaccessible to small children. Maximum temperature: +20°С.
[ 6 ]
Shelf life
Chymopsin can be used for a period of 3 years from the date of release of the medicinal solution.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Chymopsin" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.