Black Psyllium

Are there any interactions with medications?

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Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Black psyllium contains large amounts of fiber. Fiber can decrease how much carbamazepine (Tegretol) the body absorbs. By decreasing how much carbamazepine (Tegretol) the body absorbs, black psyllium might decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine (Tegretol).

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Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Black psyllium is high in fiber. Fiber can decrease the absorption and decrease the effectiveness of digoxin (Lanoxin). As a general rule, any medications taken by mouth should be taken one hour before or four hours after black psyllium to prevent this interaction.

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Lithium
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Black psyllium contains large amounts of fiber. Fiber can decrease how much lithium the body absorbs. Taking lithium along with black psyllium might decrease the effectiveness of lithium. To avoid this interaction, take black psyllium at least 1 hour after lithium.

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Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Black psyllium might decrease blood sugar by decreasing how much sugar your body absorbs from foods. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking black psyllium with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Dosing considerations for Black Psyllium.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• As a laxative for constipation: The typical dose of black psyllium seed is 10-30 grams per day in divided amounts. Mix 10 grams of seed in 100 mL water, and then drink at least another 200 mL of water. It's important to take enough water. Otherwise, black psyllium might cause choking. Take at least 150 mL water for each 5 grams of black psyllium. The FDA labeling recommends at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid with each dose.

Avoid chewing or crushing the seeds. This can release a chemical that builds up in the kidneys.

Black psyllium should be taken 30-60 minutes after eating a meal or taking other drugs.