Gum Arabic - Ritalin (Methylphenidate) Interaction
Herbal: Gum Arabic
Also Known As: Acacia, Acacia Gum, Arabic Gum, Arbre à Gomme Arabique, Bum Senegal, Bomme Arabique, Bomme de Senegal, Bummae Momosae, Goma Arábiga, Gomme Acacia, Gomme Arabique, Gomme d'Acacia, Gomme de Senegal, Gomme Sénégal, Gommier Blanc, Gum Acacia, Gum Senegal, Gummae Mimosae, India
Drug: Methylphenidate
Brand names:
Ritalin, Ritalin-SR, Concerta, Methylin, Metadate, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR, Quillivant Xr, Cotempla XR-ODT, Jornay PM, Relexxii
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Methylphenidate is classified as belonging to the following category: Oral Drugs
Theoretically, gum arabic can alter the absorption of oral drugs due to its fiber content.
Gum arabic has been used as a suspending osmotic agent in drug formulations. It might improve bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs like naproxen, but reduce absorption of polar drugs like amoxicillin. To avoid changes in absorption, take gum arabic 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
- Eltayeb IB, Awad AI, Elderbi MA, Shadad SA. Effect of gum arabic on the absorption of a single oral dose of amoxicillin in healthy Sudanese volunteers. J Antimicrob Chemother 2004;54:577-8.
- Beneke CE, Viljoen AM, Hamman JH. Polymeric plant-derived excipients in drug delivery. Molecules. 2009;14(7):2602-20.
Gum Arabic Overview
Gum Arabic, commonly known as acacia gum, is a natural substance that is produced by the acacia tree. It is a complex mixture of carbohydrates and proteins, and is used as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier in a variety of products. It is a type of indigestible dietary fiber that can help to regulate bowel movements and improve digestive health. It is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Methylphenidate Overview
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Methylphenidate is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age) in adults and children. Methylphenidate (Methylin) is also used to treat narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep). Methylphenidate is in a class of medications called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Gum Arabic - More Interactions
Gum Arabic 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. |
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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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