Astragalus 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Astragalus 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Astragalus 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,125 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dietary Fiber, Astragalus. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Astragalus 500 mg by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astragalus 500 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astragalus 500 mg by NOW
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This supplement contains one active ingredient: astragalus, a traditional herb used in herbal medicine. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients—hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid—which are fillers and binders that help hold the supplement together and make it easier to swallow.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold on astragalus is limited. For conditions like hay fever (allergic rhinitis), amenorrhea (absent periods), aplastic anemia, angina, asthma, and beta-thalassemia, the data we have isn't strong enough to rate whether it works.
If you're considering astragalus for a specific health concern, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the broader research actually shows for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Astragalus is generally well tolerated when taken short-term by healthy adults, but good quality human safety data is limited. Some people in clinical trials reported dizziness or temporary heart palpitations, though it's unclear whether astragalus was the actual cause.
Because safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't reliable enough, it's best avoided in both situations—talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this astragalus supplement, check your exact medications if you take immunosuppressants (drugs to prevent organ rejection or manage autoimmune disease), lithium, antidiabetes drugs (blood sugar medications), or cyclophosphamide—all carry Moderate interactions with astragalus.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Astragalus might be worth considering if you're looking for an immune-support supplement and have no interactions with the major drug types listed here. If you take immunosuppressants, lithium, diabetes medications, or cyclophosphamide, check with your pharmacist first.
Limited human safety data means we don't know all the risks yet, so pregnant and nursing mothers should skip it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Astragalus 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739046055 |
| Net contents | 100 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 20, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 313566 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Astragalus 500 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 Gram(s) | 2% |
| Astragalus | 1 Gram(s) | -- |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: Take 2 capsules 2 to 3 times daily, preferably with food.
Formula
Astragalus root (huang qi) has been used as a popular herbal tonic in China for many centuries. Some of the known active components include flavonoids, free amino acids, trace minerals and polyphenols.
Adaptogenic herb
Triangle K (Kosher)
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution: For adults only.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Formulation
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Immune system support
Non-GMO
Vegetarian/vegan
Made in Canada with globally sourced ingredients.
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Triangle K (Kosher)
GMP Quality Assured
General Statements
Botanicals/herbs Family owned since 1968.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Astragalus 500 mg by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Astragalus 500 mg by NOW
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Dietary Fiber
Interacts with2,025 drugs
Black psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. I...
Dietary Fiber monograph & interactionsAstragalus
Interacts with208 drugs
Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While...
Astragalus monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Astragalus 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
NOW's Astragalus 500 mg contains a single active ingredient that interacts with several medication types.
The most serious concern is immunosuppressants—astragalus seems to stimulate immune function, which theoretically could decrease the effects of drugs used to prevent organ rejection or manage autoimmune conditions. This is a Moderate severity interaction.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Astragalus also carries Moderate interactions with lithium, a mood stabilizer. Animal research suggests astragalus has diuretic properties (increases urine output), which might reduce how your body clears lithium and raise its levels in your blood.
Additionally, astragalus may lower blood sugar, so taking it alongside antidiabetes drugs (like metformin or insulin) theoretically increases the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The anticancer drug cyclophosphamide is also flagged as a Moderate concern, though animal evidence on astragalus's effect is mixed.
Altogether, these interactions span 203 individual medications. Before you start this supplement, run your exact prescriptions through the interaction checker on this page—especially if you take any immune-suppressing drugs, lithium, blood sugar medications, or cyclophosphamide.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Astragalus 500 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Astragalus 500 mg interact with 2,125 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Astragalus 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Dietary Fiber Astragalus
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + 6-mercaptopurine interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Abrocitinib interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Acarbose interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Acarbose interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Acetohexamide interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Acetohexamide interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Albiglutide interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Alemtuzumab interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Alemtuzumab interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Alogliptin interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberOral Drugs, Metformin (glucophage) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
How Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Astragalus + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionAntithymocyte GlobulinThymoglobulin
How Antithymocyte Globulin interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Antithymocyte Globulin interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Atezolizumab interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Azamune interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Azathioprine interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Azathioprine interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Basiliximab interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Basiliximab interactionBeclometasone DipropionateBecotide
How Beclometasone Dipropionate interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionBeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
How Beclomethasone interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Beclomethasone interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Beclomethasone interactionBeclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
How Beclomethasone Dipropionate interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionBetamethasoneCelestone, Diprolene AF, Diprosone
How Betamethasone interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Betamethasone interactionDietary FiberOral Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Betamethasone interactionBetamethasone DipropionateSernivo
How Betamethasone Dipropionate interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Betamethasone Dipropionate interactionBetamethasone Dipropionate, CalcipotrieneEnstilar, Wynzora
How Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interacts with Astragalus 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstragalusImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Astragalus + Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Astragalus 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Dietary Fiber
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce carbamazepine absorption. A preliminary study using blond psyllium reported decreased carbamazepine bioavailability due to binding of the drug to psyllium, as well as reduction of available fluid in the gut for dissolution of the drug. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.
Lithium
Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as lithium might reduce lithium absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might reduce lithium absorption and plasma levels. Some case reports describe a reduction in plasma lithium levels with concomitant administration of blond psyllium. This was reversed when psyllium was stopped. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Animal research shows that concurrent consumption of blond psyllium with metformin slows and increases the absorption of metformin. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after metformin.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as olanzapine might reduce olanzapine absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might decrease the absorption of olanzapine. A single case report describes a reduction in the effectiveness of olanzapine when it was concomitantly administered with an unspecified type of psyllium 3 grams orally twice daily. This effect was reversed when psyllium was stopped.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as digoxin might reduce digoxin absorption and decrease digoxin levels.
Psyllium might bind digoxin in the gut. However, some clinical evidence suggests that psyllium does not impact digoxin absorption.
Ethinyl Estradiol
Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as ethinyl estradiol might alter levels of estradiol.
Concurrent use of blond psyllium with ethinyl estradiol results in a slight increase in the extent of ethinyl estradiol absorption and a slower rate of absorption. This is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Oral Drugs
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Psyllium seems to have variable effects on drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after oral medications. Animal research shows that blond psyllium delays and increases the absorption of metformin and ethinyl estradiol. Case reports and animal research suggest that blond psyllium might reduce absorption of lithium, digoxin, olanzapine, and carbamazepine. Finally, some pharmacokinetic studies show that psyllium does not affect the absorption of levothyroxine or warfarin. Although many of these studies evaluated blond psyllium, the fiber content in black psyllium may have similar effects.
Astragalus
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Cyclophosphamide
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
Lithium
Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Astragalus 500 mg, from the product label.
NOW
See all NOW products- Name
- NOW FOODS
- Street Address
- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
- Web Address
- www.nowfoods.com
Astragalus 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions
Does Astragalus 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take astragalus if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects has astragalus caused?
Does astragalus actually work for anything?
Is this just astragalus, or are there other ingredients?
What does astragalus do?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Astragalus 500 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Astragalus 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Black Psyllium
Interacts with 2,025 drugsBlack psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. It is best known and most studied for rel...
Read the full Black Psyllium monograph → Herb & supplement monographAstragalus
Interacts with 208 drugsAstragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While early studies are interesting, strong h...
Read the full Astragalus monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Astragalus 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 31 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Black Psyllium 18 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.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
- Etman M. Effect of a bulk forming laxative on the bioavailablility of carbamazepine in man. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 1995;21:1901-6.
- Perlman BB. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet 1990;335:416.
- Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Valentine MD, Adkinson NF. Psyllium laxative-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergy 1996;51:266-8. PubMed
- Lantner RR, Espiritu BR, Zumerchik P, Tobin MC. Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal. JAMA 1990;264:2534-6. DOI
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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.
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