Guar Gum - Sinemet (Carbidopa, Levodopa) Interaction
Herbal: Guar Gum
Also Known As: Dietary Fiber, Farine de Guar, Fibre Alimentaire, Goma Guar, Gomme de Guar, Gomme de Jaguar, Guar Flour, Indian Cluster Bean, Indian Guar Plant, Jaguar Gum, Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum, PHGG, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Drug: Carbidopa, Levodopa
Brand names:
Sinemet CR, Sinemet, Rytary, Dhivy
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Carbidopa, Levodopa is classified as belonging to the following category: Oral Drugs
Guar gum might reduce the absorption of some oral drugs, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
Clinical research shows that guar gum reduces or slows absorption of medications such as penicillin and metformin. To avoid changes in absorption, take guar gum 30-60 minutes after oral medications.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Gin H, Orgerie MB, Aubertin J. The influence of Guar gum on absorption of metformin from the gut in healthy volunteers. Horm Metab Res 1989;21:81-3.
- Huupponen R, Seppala P, Iisalo E. Effect of guar gum, a fibre preparation, on digoxin and penicillin absorption in man. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1984;26:279-81.
Guar Gum Overview
Guar gum is a type of fiber that is derived from the seeds of the guar plant, which is native to India and Pakistan. It is a water-soluble, gel-forming fiber that is often used as a thickening agent or stabilizer in a variety of products. In addition to its use as a thickener, guar gum has also been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to lower blood sugar levels and improve bowel function, much like traditional fiber products.
Carbidopa, Levodopa Overview
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The combination of levodopa and carbidopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's-like symptoms that may develop after encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or injury to the nervous system caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese poisoning. Parkinson's symptoms, including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement, are caused by a lack of dopamine, a natural substance usually found in the brain. Levodopa is in a class of medications called central nervous system agents. It works by being converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa is in a class of medications called decarboxylase inhibitors. It works by preventing levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. This allows for a lower dose of levodopa, which causes less nausea and vomiting.
Guar Gum - More Interactions
Guar Gum interacts with 1990 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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