Diatomaceous Earth Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Diatomaceous Earth interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Diatomaceous Earth is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Diatomaceous Earth is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Diatomaceous Earth against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Diatomaceous Earth
0 medications have a known interaction with Diatomaceous Earth, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Diatomaceous Earth. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
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 Diatomaceous Earth combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Diatomaceous Earth: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized shells of tiny algae called diatoms. Only food-grade diatomaceous earth should ever be swallowed, and human evidence for its health claims (detox, parasites, cholesterol) is very limited. Never inhale the dust, and talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it.
- Part used
- Fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of algae)
- Common forms
- Food-grade powder, capsules, mixed into water or smoothies
- Digestive cleansing or 'detox'
- Intestinal parasite support
- Skin, hair, and nail health (silica)
- Cholesterol support
- Toxin or heavy metal binding
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Only food-grade products should be ingested, and human safety data is limited.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Diatomaceous earth is a soft, fine, off-white powder. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny single-celled algae with hard shells made mostly of silica. These deposits are mined from dried-up lakebeds and other areas around the world where diatoms once lived in huge numbers.
There are different grades of diatomaceous earth. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the only type meant for people to swallow. Other types, such as the kind used in pool filters or pest control, are treated differently and are not safe to eat or breathe.
People take food-grade diatomaceous earth as a supplement for so-called "detox," digestive cleansing, and as a source of silica. It is also used around the home and farm as a natural pest control powder.
How it works
Diatomaceous earth is made mostly of silica (silicon dioxide). Supporters believe its abrasive, porous structure may bind to material in the gut or that its silica content supports tissues like skin and nails.
In pest control, the powder works physically — its sharp microscopic edges damage the outer coating of insects, causing them to dry out. This is a mechanical effect, not the same as a health benefit in people.
Most of the proposed health mechanisms in humans are theoretical or based on laboratory ideas rather than proven clinical research. It is not clear how much of the silica the body can actually absorb and use.
Does Diatomaceous Earth work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Diatomaceous Earth, 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 Hyperlipidemia
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking diatomaceous earth 250 mg three times daily for 8-weeks reduces total cholesterol by up to 13.2% compared with baseline, as well as reducing low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
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
The most important safety rule is to only use food-grade diatomaceous earth if you plan to swallow it. Other grades, especially the "calcined" type used in pool filters, contain a form of silica called crystalline silica that is harmful, particularly to the lungs.
Never inhale the dust. Breathing in diatomaceous earth can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and long-term inhalation of crystalline silica is linked to serious lung disease. Use a mask and keep it away from your face when handling the powder.
People with swallowing problems, bowel disorders, or kidney problems should check with a doctor first. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it because there is no reliable safety information. Do not give it to children unless a healthcare provider advises it.
Side effects
When food-grade diatomaceous earth is swallowed, the most common complaints are digestive — such as constipation, bloating, or stomach discomfort. Drinking plenty of water may help, but stop if symptoms continue.
The most serious risk comes from breathing the dust. Inhaling it can cause coughing, throat and lung irritation, and shortness of breath. Repeated exposure to crystalline-silica forms can damage the lungs over time.
It may also dry out and irritate the skin or eyes with direct contact. If you have any breathing problems, chest pain, or severe stomach symptoms after using it, stop and seek medical care.
Diatomaceous Earth: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Diatomaceous Earth from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
There is very little clinical research on diatomaceous earth and no reliable information about tolerability and potential common side effects. There is some data suggesting an increased risk of lung cancer and non-malignant lung disease in people exposed to high crystalline silica in processed diatomaceous earth used industrially.
- Rushton L. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica. Rev Environ Health 2007;22(4):255-72.
- Gallagher LG, Park RM, Checkoway H. Extended follow-up of lung cancer and non-malignant respiratory disease mortality among California diatomaceous earth workers. Occup Environ Med. 2015;72(5):360-5.
- Park R, Rice F, Stayner L, Smith R, Gilbert S, Checkoway H. Exposure to crystalline silica, silicosis, and lung disease other than cancer in diatomaceous earth industry workers: a quantitative risk assessment. Occup Environ Med. 2002;59(1):36-43.
- Nattrass C, Horwell CJ, Damby DE, Kermanizadeh A, Brown DM, Stone V. The global variability of diatomaceous earth toxicity: a physicochemical and in vitro investigation. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2015 10;10:23.
Cancer Pulmonary/Respiratory
When mined or used for industrial purposes, diatomaceous earth appears to increase the risk of lung cancer and non-malignant respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), likely due to its constituent crystalline silica. However, compared to other forms of silica, the crystalline silica content of unprocessed diatomaceous earth, used topically or orally medicinally, is quite low and therefore this source does not appear to be as toxic as other sources of silica.
- Rushton L. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica. Rev Environ Health 2007;22(4):255-72.
- Gallagher LG, Park RM, Checkoway H. Extended follow-up of lung cancer and non-malignant respiratory disease mortality among California diatomaceous earth workers. Occup Environ Med. 2015;72(5):360-5.
- Park R, Rice F, Stayner L, Smith R, Gilbert S, Checkoway H. Exposure to crystalline silica, silicosis, and lung disease other than cancer in diatomaceous earth industry workers: a quantitative risk assessment. Occup Environ Med. 2002;59(1):36-43.
- Nattrass C, Horwell CJ, Damby DE, Kermanizadeh A, Brown DM, Stone V. The global variability of diatomaceous earth toxicity: a physicochemical and in vitro investigation. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2015 10;10:23.
Scleroderma Musculoskeletal
In one case report. exposure to processed diatomaceous earth was associated with the development of systemic sclerosis.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no official, standardized dose of diatomaceous earth, and it is not approved as a medicine. Amounts vary widely between products and brands.
If you choose to use it, follow the directions on a clearly labeled food-grade product, start low, and drink plenty of water. Do not assume more is better.
Because evidence is limited and quality can vary, it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines or supplements.
Diatomaceous Earth & Pregnancy
Diatomaceous Earth & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 6 references that drive our Diatomaceous Earth 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.
- Rushton L. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica. Rev Environ Health 2007;22(4):255-72. PubMed
- Gallagher LG, Park RM, Checkoway H. Extended follow-up of lung cancer and non-malignant respiratory disease mortality among California diatomaceous earth workers. Occup Environ Med. 2015;72(5):360-5. PubMed
- Moisan S, Rucay P, Ghali A, Penneau-Fontbonne D, Lavigne C. Silica-associated limited systemic sclerosis after occupational exposure to calcined diatomaceous earth. Joint Bone Spine. 2010;77(5):472-3. PubMed
- Park R, Rice F, Stayner L, Smith R, Gilbert S, Checkoway H. Exposure to crystalline silica, silicosis, and lung disease other than cancer in diatomaceous earth industry workers: a quantitative risk assessment. Occup Environ Med. 2002;59(1):36-43. PubMed
- Nattrass C, Horwell CJ, Damby DE, Kermanizadeh A, Brown DM, Stone V. The global variability of diatomaceous earth toxicity: a physicochemical and in vitro investigation. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2015 10;10:23. PubMed
- Wachter H, Lechleitner M, Artner-Dworzak E, Hausen A, Jarosch E, Widner B, Patsch J, Pfeiffer K, Fuchs D. Diatomaceous earth lowers blood cholesterol concentrations. Eur J Med Res. 1998 8;3(4):211-5.
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
Diatomaceous Earth: Common Questions
What is Diatomaceous Earth used for, and does it work?
Does Diatomaceous Earth interact with prescription medications?
How are Diatomaceous Earth interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Diatomaceous Earth with my medications?
Where does this Diatomaceous Earth interaction information come from?
What is Diatomaceous Earth used for?
Is Diatomaceous Earth safe to eat?
Can I take Diatomaceous Earth while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is it dangerous to breathe in Diatomaceous Earth?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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