Black Psyllium Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Black Psyllium Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Black psyllium is generally safe to use orally with appropriate fluid intake. However, if taken without adequate fluid, there is a risk of choking or gastrointestinal obstruction. Therefore, it is important to take black psyllium with at least a full glass of liquid. Granular dosage forms containing black psyllium as over-the-counter laxatives are not considered safe and effective due to an increased risk of choking and obstruction.

How Does Black Psyllium Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Black psyllium contains a high level of soluble dietary fiber in its seed husks. When taken with enough fluid, black psyllium swells in water and forms a gelatinous mass, promoting peristalsis and increasing bulk in the feces. This results in a laxative effect. In people with diarrhea, black psyllium absorbs water, regulates peristalsis, and slows down gastrointestinal transit. There is also evidence suggesting that black psyllium may have antidiabetes effects by reducing the gastrointestinal absorption of glucose.

Pharmacokinetics

Black psyllium, being a source of soluble fiber, is not systemically absorbed by the body. It primarily acts within the gastrointestinal tract.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

Black psyllium may interact with certain medications such as carbamazepine, digoxin, ethinyl estradiol, lithium, metformin, and olanzapine. It can potentially affect the absorption and levels of these drugs in the body. Caution should be exercised, and it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional if taking these medications alongside black psyllium.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When taken with sufficient fluid, black psyllium is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include bloating and flatulence. However, serious adverse effects such as bowel obstruction and esophageal obstruction are rare.

What Is Black Psyllium Typically Used For?

Black psyllium is commonly used for the short-term treatment of constipation. It is effective in increasing bowel movements when taken as an oral soluble fiber. Consuming products that contain soluble fiber like black psyllium may also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. However, there is still insufficient reliable evidence to establish its effectiveness for cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and other conditions. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy in these areas.

Dosing & Administration

For adults, black psyllium is most commonly used in doses of 10-30 grams daily, divided into 1-3 doses, for up to 6 months. Each dose should be taken with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. It is recommended to take black psyllium 30-60 minutes after oral medications to avoid changes in absorption. Dosing for children is limited, and typical dosing is unavailable.

Standardization & Formulation

Black psyllium seeds should have a swelling index of at least 10 to 14 when placed in water. For foods labeled with a claim of reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, black psyllium seed husk must have a purity of no less than 95% and meet certain criteria for protein, extraneous matter, and combined extraneous matter.

Drugs that interact with Black Psyllium