Algin - Mustargen (Mechlorethamine) Interaction
Herbal: Algin
Also Known As: Alginate, Alginate de Calcium, Alginate de Magnésium, Alginate de Potassium, Alginate de Sodium, Alginate Salt Alginates, Alginato, Alginato de Calcio, Alginato de Magnesio, Alginato de Potasio, Alginato de Sodio, Algine, Calcium Alginate, Magnesium Alginate, Potassium
Drug: Mechlorethamine
Brand names:
Mustargen
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 11, 2025
Interaction Details
Mechlorethamine is classified as belonging to the following category: Oral Drugs
Theoretically, algin can alter the absorption of oral drugs. Laboratory research shows that algin, when consumed as part of the diet or used as a thickening agent in infant formula, reduces the absorption of certain minerals. Also, algin has been used as a tablet binder and disintegrant to enhance drug bioavailability. To avoid changes in absorption, take algin 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
- Harmuth-Hoene, A. E. and Schelenz, R. Effect of dietary fiber on mineral absorption in growing rats. J Nutr 1980;110(9):1774-1784.
- Bosscher D, Van Caillie-Bertrand M, Deelstra H. Effect of thickening agents, based on soluble dietary fiber, on the availability of calcium, iron, and zinc from infant formulas. Nutrition. 2001;17(7-8):614-8.
- Beneke CE, Viljoen AM, Hamman JH. Polymeric plant-derived excipients in drug delivery. Molecules. 2009;14(7):2602-20.
Algin Overview
Algin is a type of polysaccharide that is extracted from brown algae and also made naturally by some types of bacteria. It is most commonly referred to as sodium alginate. It is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a variety of products. In food, algin is commonly used as a gelling agent to create a variety of textures. In manufacturing, algin is used as a binding and disintegrating agent in tablets, and as a binding and demulcent in lozenges. It has been studied for potential health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol levels and improving digestive health.
Mechlorethamine Overview
-
Mechlorethamine is used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (types of cancer that begin in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection); mycosis fungoides (a type of cancer of the immune system that first appear as skin rashes); certain types of leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells), including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML); and lung cancer. Mechlorethamine is also used to treat polycythemia vera (a disease in which too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow). It is also used to treat malignant effusions (a condition when fluid collects in the lungs or around the heart) that are caused by cancerous tumors. Mechlorethamine is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Algin - More Interactions
Algin interacts with 1987 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. |
Return to the main supplement interaction checker page
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.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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!
Ask A Pharmacist