Herb & supplement monograph

Slippery Elm Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Slippery Elm interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Slippery Elm is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Slippery Elm is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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On this page

Slippery Elm Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Slippery Elm drug interaction appears low for most people. Every listed interaction is rated moderate, but all of them trace back to a single theoretical concern that has not been confirmed in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one concern in the data applies broadly to oral medications. Slippery elm's inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like fiber that could coat the gut and slow how quickly medicines taken by mouth are absorbed, possibly lowering the amount that reaches the bloodstream. If this happens at all, it would matter most for medicines where small changes in blood levels count, such as those needing steady, precise dosing. There are no well-documented reports of this actually causing problems in people.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks alarming, but it reflects one theoretical mechanism applied to nearly every drug taken by mouth, not thousands of separate proven problems. The evidence comes from what mucilage could do in principle, not from human studies showing meaningful changes, so most of these combinations are unlikely to cause real trouble.

Check your medications against Slippery Elm

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Slippery Elm interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Slippery Elm

2022 medications have a known interaction with Slippery Elm, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
"phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + "phentolamine interaction
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + 6-mercaptopurine interaction 6-mercaptopurine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AbacavirZiagen
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abacavir interaction Abacavir drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interaction Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abacavir, Lamivudine interaction
AbciximabReoPro
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abciximab interaction
AbemaciclibVerzenio
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abemaciclib interaction Abemaciclib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abiraterone interaction Abiraterone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abiraterone Acetate interaction Abiraterone Acetate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcalabrutinibCalquence
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acalabrutinib interaction Acalabrutinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcamprosateCampral
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acamprosate interaction Acamprosate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcebutololRhotral, Sectral
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acebutolol interaction Acebutolol drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acenocoumarol interaction
AcepromazineAtravet
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acepromazine interaction
AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen interaction Acetaminophen drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
Moderate Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.

Read the full Slippery Elm + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction 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
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Slippery Elm combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Slippery Elm affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Slippery Elm is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Slippery Elm interacts with
Oral Drugs
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.
Slippery elm inner bark contains mucilage, which may interfere with the absorption of orally administered drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Slippery Elm: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Slippery elm is a traditional herbal remedy made from the inner bark of a North American elm tree, used mainly to soothe sore throats and irritated digestive tracts. Its mucilage can coat and calm mucous membranes, but solid human evidence for most uses is limited. It is generally considered low-risk for short-term use, but you should still check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Slippery Elm
Scientific name
Ulmus rubra
Family
Ulmaceae
Part used
Inner bark
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, lozenges, powder, tea, throat lozenges, topical pastes
People commonly use it for
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Heartburn and acid reflux
  • Digestive upset and IBS
  • Skin irritation (topical)
  • Constipation or diarrhea

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated for short-term use, but high-quality safety data are limited.

PregnancyUse caution

Not enough reliable safety data; some sources caution against using it during pregnancy.

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using. Slippery elm bark has historically been inserted into the cervix to induce abortion. As a re...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree native to eastern North America. It is part of the elm family and is known for its rough, reddish-brown bark. The soft, slippery inner bark is the part used in herbal products.

When the inner bark is mixed with water, it forms a thick, gel-like substance called mucilage. People have used slippery elm for centuries in traditional and folk medicine, often to soothe a sore throat, calm an upset stomach, or to help with skin irritation.

Today you can find slippery elm in many forms, including throat lozenges, capsules, powders, and teas. It is a common ingredient in herbal cough and throat products.

How it works

The main active part of slippery elm is its mucilage, a sticky, soluble fiber. When it meets water, it swells into a slick gel.

The leading idea is that this gel coats the lining (mucous membranes) of the throat and digestive tract, forming a soothing, protective layer. This may calm irritation and reduce the feeling of soreness. The mucilage may also trigger the body to make more of its own protective mucus.

As a soluble fiber, slippery elm may also gently affect how the bowels move, which could help with both constipation and loose stools. Much of this understanding comes from the herb's physical properties and laboratory work rather than large human trials, so the exact effects in people are not fully proven.

Effectiveness

Does Slippery Elm work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 8 uses evaluated
8 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Slippery Elm, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 8 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral slippery elm has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Constipation
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral slippery elm for constipation, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of slippery elm for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cough
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using lozenges containing slippery elm for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of slippery elm for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral slippery elm for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of slippery elm for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral slippery elm for IBD, including Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of slippery elm for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral slippery elm has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Peptic ulcers
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral slippery elm for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of slippery elm for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pharyngitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if lozenges containing slippery elm are beneficial in patients with sore throat.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Slippery elm is generally considered low-risk when used short-term and as directed. Because it is mostly a soothing fiber, serious problems are uncommon.

Still, some cautions apply. People with a known allergy to elm should avoid it. Because slippery elm is a thick fiber that swells in water, it is wise to take it with plenty of fluid to avoid choking or it sticking in the throat, especially in people with swallowing difficulties.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information. Some traditional sources warn that elm bark preparations should be avoided during pregnancy. To be safe, pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid slippery elm unless their doctor approves. Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.

Side effects

Slippery elm is usually well tolerated. The most common issues are mild, such as nausea or other digestive upset.

Because it is a fiber that absorbs water, taking it without enough liquid could cause it to swell and lead to choking or a feeling of blockage. Allergic reactions are possible but rare; stop using it and seek care if you develop a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Slippery elm may also slow how quickly the gut absorbs other things it touches. Because of this, many people separate it in time from other oral medicines, though specific interaction guidance is covered elsewhere.

Slippery Elm: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Slippery Elm from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, slippery elm extracts can cause contact dermatitis. The pollen is an allergen. Contact dermatitis and urticaria have been reported after exposure to slippery elm or an oleoresin contained in the slippery elm bark.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Czarnecki D, Nixon R, Bekhor P, and et al. Delayed prolonged contact urticaria from the elm tree. Contact Dermatitis 1993;28:196-197.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official standardized dose for slippery elm. The right amount can vary depending on the form (lozenge, capsule, powder, or tea) and the product.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label. When using the powder or capsules, take them with a full glass of water. For sore throats, lozenges are simply dissolved in the mouth as needed.

Because product strengths differ and quality is not tightly regulated, it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist to help you choose a reputable product and a sensible amount for your situation.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Slippery Elm & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using. Slippery elm bark has historically been inserted into the cervix to induce abortion. As a result, slippery elm has been reported in some sources to have abortifacient activity. However, there is no reliable information available about whether slippery elm has abortifacient activity when taken orally.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Slippery Elm monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Czarnecki D, Nixon R, Bekhor P, and et al. Delayed prolonged contact urticaria from the elm tree. Contact Dermatitis 1993;28:196-197. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Slippery Elm

333 brands in our database make a supplement containing Slippery Elm.

Product directory

Supplement products with Slippery Elm

1,504 products in our database contain Slippery Elm. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

(C)Lean Boost 495 mg by Jane Health Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions #739 Colon Cleanse Formula 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens Capsule 45 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions #739 Colon Clear Formula by Botanic Choice Capsule 90 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions #739 Colon Clear Formula by Botanic Choice Capsule 180 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 10-Day Acai Berry Easy-Cleanse by Applied Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 40 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 14-Day Acai Berry Cleanse by Applied Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 56 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 14-Day Acai Berry Cleanse by Applied Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 56 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 3 Day Cleanse & Detox by Vitinity Tablet Or Pill 9 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions 3 Eliminate With Colon Cleanse by Renew Life Capsule 14 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3-Day Cleanse 2 Evening Formula by Renew Life Capsule 6 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3-Day Cleanse 2 Evening Formula by Renew Life Capsule 6 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3-Day Cleanse Evening Formula by Renew Life Capsule 6 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3-Day Cleanse Evening Formula by Renew Life Capsule 6 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3-Day Liver Cleanse Evening Formula by Renew Life Capsule 6 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-Day Acai Berry Cleanse by Applied Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 20 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Absolute Cleanse by New Sun Capsule 140 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Acai Berry by Infiniti Creations Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Acai Berry by Official HCG Diet Plan Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Acai Berry Slim Down by NewtonEverett Tablet Or Pill 56 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Acai Berry Slim Down by NewtonEverett Tablet Or Pill 56 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Acai Power Berry Pure-Body Cleanse by Nature's Secret Tablet Or Pill 56 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Acid Block by Rx Vitamins Tablet Or Pill 60 Chewable Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Acid Ease by Nature's Way Capsule 180 Vegan Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Acid Ease by Nature's Way Capsule 90 Vegan Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Slippery Elm: Common Questions

What is Slippery Elm used for, and does it work?
People use Slippery Elm for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Slippery Elm interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 2022 medications with a known interaction with Slippery Elm. Use the checker above to see how Slippery Elm interacts with a specific drug.
How are Slippery Elm interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Slippery Elm with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Slippery Elm interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Slippery Elm used for?
People most commonly use it to soothe a sore throat, cough, heartburn, and an upset stomach. Its evidence is mostly traditional, and strong scientific proof for most uses is limited.
Is Slippery Elm safe to take?
For most healthy adults, short-term use is generally considered low-risk. Take powdered forms with plenty of water, and check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.
Can I take Slippery Elm during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information, and some sources advise against it in pregnancy. It's best to avoid it unless your doctor specifically approves.
How does Slippery Elm soothe a sore throat?
It contains mucilage, a sticky fiber that turns into a gel with water and is thought to coat and protect irritated tissues in the throat and gut, helping them feel less raw.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Slippery Elm

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See all 1,504 products with Slippery Elm →
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