Karaya Gum - Pepcid AC (Famotidine) Interaction
Herbal: Karaya Gum
Also Known As: Bassora Tragacanth, Goma Karaya, Gomme Karaya, Gomme Kuteera, Gomme Sterculia, Gum Karaya, Gomme de Sterculia, Indian Tragacanth, Kadaya, Kadira, Karaya, Katila, Katira Gum, Kullo, Mucara, Sterculia, Sterculia Gum
Drug: Famotidine
Brand names:
Pepcid, Famotidine, Pepcid AC, Famotidine Injection
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Famotidine is classified as belonging to the following category: Oral Drugs
Co-administration of oral drugs with bulk forming laxatives such as karaya gum may decrease, increase, or have no effect on the absorption of drugs. To avoid changes in absorption, take karaya 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
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Karaya Gum Overview
Karaya gum is a type of natural gum that is obtained from the sap of the Sterculia tree, which is native to India and parts of Asia. It is a highly viscous, water-soluble gum that is used in various industrial and food applications. Karaya gum has many unique properties, such as high stability, thickening ability, and emulsifying power, making it useful in a variety of industries. It is also commonly used as a natural laxative.
Famotidine Overview
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Prescription famotidine is used to treat ulcers (sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine); gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus [tube that connects the mouth and stomach]); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumors in the pancreas or small intestine that cause increased production of stomach acid). Over-the-counter famotidine is used to prevent and treat heartburn due to acid indigestion and sour stomach caused by eating or drinking certain foods or drinks. Famotidine is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Karaya Gum - More Interactions
Karaya Gum 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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