Food and medicine interaction
Psyllium husk and other oral medicines, especially digoxin, aspirin and nitrofurantoin
EstablishedEvidence level: established. Shown in drug labeling or in controlled studies in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
Psyllium can bind or slow the absorption of other medicines taken at the same time.
- Why it happens
- Psyllium forms a gel in the gut that can trap or delay drugs.
- At ordinary food amounts
- This is about psyllium supplements and fiber powders. Whole high-fiber foods can also affect some drugs, such as levothyroxine.
What to do
MedlinePlus advises not taking digoxin, aspirin or nitrofurantoin within 3 hours of psyllium. Ask your pharmacist how to space psyllium from your other medicines, and take it with a full glass of water.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have psyllium husk while taking many oral medicines?
MedlinePlus advises not taking digoxin, aspirin or nitrofurantoin within 3 hours of psyllium. Ask your pharmacist how to space psyllium from your other medicines, and take it with a full glass of water. This is about psyllium supplements and fiber powders. Whole high-fiber foods can also affect some drugs, such as levothyroxine.