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Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major or even moderate, and every one is classified as minor.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one area worth watching involves diabetes medications. Maltose is a sugar made of two glucose molecules, and when the body digests it, blood sugar can rise much like it does after eating table sugar. That rise could work against what medicines for diabetes are trying to achieve, so people who track their blood sugar closely may notice an effect. This is a documented but mild concern, not a dangerous drug reaction.

What the rest of the list means

Although dozens of medications appear on the interaction list, nearly all of them trace back to this same simple point: maltose is a sugar and can nudge blood glucose upward. It does not mean each combination is harmful, and there is no evidence here of serious effects like bleeding, sedation, or changes in how the body clears other medicines.

Check your medications against Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose

86 medications have a known interaction with Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcetohexamideDymelor
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Acetohexamide interaction
AlbiglutideTanzeum
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Albiglutide interaction
AlogliptinNesina
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alogliptin, MetforminKazano
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Alogliptin, Metformin interaction
Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interaction
Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interaction
CanagliflozinInvokana
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Canagliflozin interaction Canagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Canagliflozin, Metformin interaction
Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Chlorpropamide interaction
DapagliflozinFarxiga
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Dapagliflozin interaction Dapagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interaction
Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interaction
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interaction
Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride interaction Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
DulaglutideTrulicity
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Dulaglutide interaction Dulaglutide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
EmpagliflozinJardiance
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Empagliflozin interaction Empagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Empagliflozin, Metformin interaction
Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ErtugliflozinSteglatro
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Ertugliflozin interaction Ertugliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ExenatideBydureon, Byetta
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Exenatide interaction Exenatide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Exenatide Synthetic interaction Exenatide Synthetic drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
GliclazideDiamicron
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Gliclazide interaction
GlimepirideAmaryl
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Glimepiride interaction Glimepiride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Glipizide interaction Glipizide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Glipizide, Metformin interaction
GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon
Minor Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose).

Read the full Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose + Glucagon interaction Glucagon drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction 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
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels similarly to table sugar (sucrose). While maltose itself does not necessarily interact directly with antidiabetic drugs, its digestion into glucose can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which may impact the effectiveness of antidiabetic medications. In terms of effects on blood sugar, maltose may lead to a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels compared to sucrose, as it is directly converted into glucose. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when consuming foods or beverages containing maltose to maintain proper glucose control.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Monograph

Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Anhydrous crystalline maltose is a starch-derived sugar (also called malt sugar) studied mainly as a slow-dissolving lozenge to ease dry mouth, including in people with Sjögren syndrome. Some studies suggest it may modestly improve saliva flow, but the overall evidence is limited. It appears generally well tolerated, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have diabetes.

Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose
Part used
Disaccharide sugar derived from starch
Common forms
Dissolving lozenges, tablets, powder
People commonly use it for
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Sjögren syndrome
  • Dry mouth from medications
  • Food stabilizer and texturizer

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in studies, but it is a sugar, so people with diabetes should be cautious.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Anhydrous crystalline maltose, also called malt sugar, is a simple sugar made of two glucose molecules joined together. It is produced from starch and is widely used in foods as a stabilizer, sweetener, and moisture-controlling ingredient.

As a supplement, it is most often made into slow-dissolving lozenges or tablets that people hold in the mouth. The main reason people use it this way is to help with dry mouth, including dry mouth caused by Sjögren syndrome (an autoimmune condition) or by certain medications.

Maltose is less sweet than regular table sugar (sucrose). Because it is a sugar, the body can break it down for energy when swallowed.

How it works

The exact way maltose lozenges may help dry mouth is not fully understood. One idea is that slowly dissolving a maltose lozenge in the mouth may stimulate the salivary glands and encourage saliva flow. Keeping the mouth moist and the act of dissolving the lozenge may also play a role.

Maltose itself is just a sugar made of two glucose units connected by a chemical bond. It does not contain specialized plant compounds. Much of what is known is based on small clinical observations rather than detailed biological studies, so the mechanism remains uncertain.

Effectiveness

Does Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose work?

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sjogren syndrome
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in patients with Sjogren syndrome shows that dissolving lozenges containing anhydrous crystalline maltose (Maxisal, Amarillo Biosciences) in the mouth, 200 mg three times daily for 12 or 24 weeks, improves measures of unstimulated saliva volume in some patients when compared with baseline. Three studies were conducted, lasting either 12 or 24 weeks, with about 55% of patients experiencing increases in measured saliva volumes. The remaining patients either had no change or a decrease in saliva. In the two studies lasting 24 weeks, there was also an improvement in the mean subjective rating for dry eye symptoms. The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of control groups.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

In studies, anhydrous crystalline maltose used as oral lozenges has generally been well tolerated. However, because it is a sugar, people with diabetes or blood sugar problems should be cautious and speak with their healthcare provider before using it regularly.

Frequent contact between sugar lozenges and the teeth could raise concern about tooth decay, especially in people who already have dry mouth (which lowers natural protection). Good dental hygiene is important.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable information about using maltose as a supplement, so it is best to avoid or use only with your doctor's guidance. As with any product, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have ongoing health conditions.

Side effects

Anhydrous crystalline maltose appears to cause few side effects in the studies done so far. Because it is a sugar dissolved in the mouth, possible concerns include effects on blood sugar and a potential increase in risk of dental cavities with frequent use.

Some people may notice mild mouth or digestive discomfort. Serious side effects have not been commonly reported, but the long-term safety of supplement use is not well established. Stop use and seek medical advice if you have an unexpected reaction.

Dosing

There is no official, standardized supplement dose for anhydrous crystalline maltose. In dry-mouth research, it has typically been used as lozenges dissolved in the mouth several times a day over a period of weeks.

The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and to check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions. Do not assume more is better.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Fox, P. C., Cummins, M. J., and Cummins, J. M. Use of orally administered anhydrous crystalline maltose for relief of dry mouth. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7(1):33-43. PubMed
  2. Fox, P. C., Cummins, M. J., and Cummins, J. M. A third study on the use of orally administered anhydrous crystalline maltose for relief of dry mouth in primary Sjogren's syndrome. J Altern Complement Med 2002;8(5):651-659.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose: Common Questions

What is Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose used for, and does it work?
People use Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose. Use the checker above to see how Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose interacts with a specific drug.
How are Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Anhydrous Crystalline Maltose used for?
It is mainly used as a lozenge to help with dry mouth, including dry mouth from Sjögren syndrome or certain medications. It is also used in foods as a stabilizer and sweetener.
Does it really help dry mouth?
Some small studies suggest maltose lozenges may modestly improve saliva in certain people, but the evidence is limited and it is not a proven treatment. Talk to your doctor about whether it is worth trying.
Is it safe if I have diabetes?
Maltose is a sugar, so it can affect blood sugar. If you have diabetes, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it and monitor your levels.
Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information about using maltose as a supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's safest to avoid it unless your doctor approves.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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