Chitosan 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Source Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Chitosan 250 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
Chitosan 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,025 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dietary Fiber, Chitosan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals — 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 Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals
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 product contains one active ingredient: chitosan, a fiber derived from shellfish shells. Chitosan is meant to support weight management and general health by binding to dietary fat in your digestive tract.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The evidence for chitosan is mixed. Studies suggest it may be possibly effective for weight loss and for lowering blood pressure.
There's also possibly effective evidence for postoperative recovery. For other uses like managing Crohn disease or dry eye, the evidence is insufficient to rate — meaning we don't have reliable data to say whether it works.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Chitosan is generally well tolerated short-term, though quality evidence is limited. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, stomach discomfort, nausea, and throat dryness.
Some people report excessive fat in their stools (steatorrhea). There's also a theoretical concern that chitosan's antimicrobial action could alter your gut bacteria in ways that might interfere with how your body digests fat and handles bile.
Do not use chitosan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety data. If you have a shellfish allergy, this product is not for you, since it's derived from shellfish.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin (a blood thinner) or acyclovir (an antiviral). Both Moderate-severity interactions are documented.
Warfarin users face increased bleeding risk; acyclovir users may see reduced drug absorption and treatment failure.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Chitosan may be worth considering if you're interested in weight management or blood pressure support and you don't take warfarin or acyclovir. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to shellfish, skip it.
Talk to your pharmacist about your full medication list before starting.
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 Feb 26, 2020.
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 Chitosan 250 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078009122 |
| Net contents | 240 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 26, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 213692 |
| Product type | Fiber And Other Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10 Calorie(s) | -- |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 Gram(s) | 4% |
| Chitosan | 1 Gram(s) | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silica
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 Use: 4 capsules 1/2 hour before lunch and 4 capsules 1/2 hour before dinner with 8 ounces. of liquid. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid daily. For best results, take this product in conjunction with the enclosed Maximum Metabolism Weight Loss Plan and a multiple vitamin such as Source Naturals Life Force.
Precautions
Caution: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to shellfish or taking any medication, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Caution: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to shellfish or taking any medication, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Fat-soluble vitamins (A,E, D, or K), essential fatty acids or medications should be taken 4 hours before or after ingesting chitosan to ensure absorption. Take this product with large amounts of fluid. If you do not drink enough liquid, the product may cause constipation. Discontinue use if intestinal discomfort or constipation occurs.
Contains shellfish (shrimp, crab & lobster).
Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Formulation
Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.
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.
Formula
Breakthrough Fiber
Chitosan, a fiber derived from chitin in shellfish, is a nondigestible amino-polysaccharide. Chitosan is produced by removing acetyl groups from chitin, through a process called deacetylation. This process enhances the activity of chitosan by improving its solubility in the acidic environment of the stomach. When taken in conjunction with the Maximum Metabolism Weight Loss Plan, body fat may be reduced.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals 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 Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size4 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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 & interactionsChitosan
Interacts with3 drugs
Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evi...
Chitosan monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals does interact with a few medications worth checking before you start.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
The most serious concern is warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner. There's a case report of a patient whose blood-thinning level (measured by INR) increased significantly after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily — a sign of increased bleeding risk.
The INR returned to normal once chitosan was stopped and vitamin K was given. If you take warfarin, you'll want to talk with your pharmacist or doctor before adding this.
Chitosan can also reduce how well your body absorbs acyclovir (Zovirax), an antiviral medication for herpes and shingles. Clinical studies show that taking chitosan with acyclovir lowers the amount of drug that gets into your bloodstream, which could make the medication less effective.
This is a Moderate-severity interaction.
Alongside warfarin and acyclovir, there are a few other medications affected. Altogether, these interactions span 3 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to look up your exact drugs before you begin.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Chitosan 250 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 Chitosan 250 mg interact with 2,025 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Chitosan 250 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Dietary Fiber Chitosan
Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acalabrutinib interactionAcamprosateCampral
How Acamprosate interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acamprosate interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Chitosan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary 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 + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Chitosan 250 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.
Chitosan
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Chitosan can reduce the absorption of acyclovir, potentially increasing the risk for treatment failure.
Clinical research in humans shows that taking chitosan along with acyclovir 200 mg reduces acyclovir absorption. Concomitant administration of chitosan 400 mg or 1000 mg reduced the acyclovir area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by about 30% and 40%, respectively, compared with control. Concomitant administration with chitosan 1000 mg also increased time to peak concentration from 1 hour to 2 hours. In vitro research suggests that the mechanism for reduced absorption is due to acyclovir entrapment in chitosan-mucus complexes, which reduces intestinal absorption.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In a case report, a patient taking warfarin had a significantly increased international normalized ratio (INR) after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily. The INR normalized after chitosan was discontinued and vitamin K was administered. The patient once again started taking chitosan and again had a significant increase in INR. The INR stabilized again once chitosan was discontinued. Researchers theorize that this interaction might occur because chitosan decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K, which could increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Chitosan 250 mg, from the product label.
Source Naturals
- Name
- Source Naturals, Inc.
- Street Address
- P. O. Box 2118
- City
- Santa Cruz
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95062
- Web Address
- www.sourcenaturals.com
Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions
Does Chitosan 250 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
What's the most common side effect I might notice?
Is this safe if I have a shellfish allergy?
Does chitosan actually help with weight loss?
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Chitosan 250 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 Chitosan 250 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 monographChitosan
Interacts with 3 drugsChitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evidence for these benefits is weak, and an...
Read the full Chitosan monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Chitosan 250 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 35 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
- Kaplan MJ. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1072-3. DOI
- Nordstrom M, Melander A, Robertsson E, Steen B. Influence of wheat bran and of a bulk-forming ispaghula cathartic on the bioavailability of digoxin in geriatric in-patients. Drug Nutr Interact 1987;5:67-9..
- Robinson DS, Benjamin DM, McCormack JJ. Interaction of warfarin and nonsystemic gastrointestinal drugs. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1971;12:491-5. PubMed
- Garcia JJ, Fernandez N, Diez MJ, et al. Influence of two dietary fibers in the oral bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of ethinyloestradiol. Contraception 2000;62:253-7. PubMed
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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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