Guar Gum - Lanoxin (Digoxin) 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: Digoxin
Brand names:
Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin, Digitek
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 22, 2025
Interaction Details
Digoxin 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.
Interaction Details
Digoxin is classified as belonging to the following category: Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Guar gum might slow digoxin absorption, but it does not seem to impact how much digoxin is absorbed overall.
Two small studies in healthy volunteers show no change in the overall extent of digoxin absorption, although early absorption was slowed, when taken with guar gum.
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
- 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.
- Lembcke B, Hasler K, Kramer P, et al. Plasma digoxin concentrations during administration of dietary fibre (guar gum) in man. Z Gastroenterol 1982;20;164-7.
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.
Digoxin Overview
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Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps the heart work better and it helps control your heart rate.
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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