Chymotrypsin; Clinical Pharmacologic Evaluation as an Anti-inflammatory Enzyme

Abstract

Extensive studies have been conducted to compare the effect of the enzyme chymotrypsin with that of other anti-inflammatory drugs. The authors, investigation showed chymotrypsin to be more effective than were anticoagulants in treating acute thrombophlebitis. The course of treatment of inflammation of the eye was shortened by use of chymotrypsin in conjunction with neomycin-polymyxin. The effect of chymotrypsin exceeded that of trypsin and paralleled that of prednisone in treating bruises and sprains, while hematoma responded more quickly to chymotrypsin than to either of the other two agents. The authors also suggest that chymotrypsin may be valuable in other inflammatory conditions.