Guar Gum - Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) 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: Oseltamivir Phosphate
Brand names:
Tamiflu
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 15, 2025
Interaction Details
Oseltamivir Phosphate 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.
Oseltamivir Phosphate Overview
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Oseltamivir is used to treat some types of influenza infection ('flu') in adults, children, and infants (older than 2 weeks of age) who have had symptoms of the flu for no longer than 2 days. This medication is also used to prevent some types of flu in adults and children (older than 1 year of age) when they have spent time with someone who has the flu or when there is a flu outbreak. Oseltamivir is in a class of medications called neuraminidase inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the flu virus in the body. Oseltamivir helps shorten the time that flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint aches, tiredness, headache, fever, and chills last. Oseltamivir will not prevent bacterial infections, which may occur as a complication of the flu.
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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