Chitosan 350 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by BIOVEA
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Chitosan 350 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 350 mg is a dietary supplement by BIOVEA with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight management, lowering cholesterol, wound care.Based on those ingredients, 3 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chitosan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Chitosan 350 mg by BIOVEA
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chitosan 350 mg by BIOVEA — 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 350 mg by BIOVEA
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 works by binding to dietary fats in your digestive tract, which is why it's used for weight management and other metabolic effects.
The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — which are fillers and binders that hold the capsule together.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence for chitosan is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for obesity and possibly effective for helping with postoperative recovery and blood pressure.
For Crohn disease and dry eye, there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether it works. If you're considering it for weight management or recovery, talk to your doctor about what the research actually supports for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Chitosan is generally well tolerated in the short term, but the quality of safety data is limited. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and stomach discomfort.
Some people have reported excessive fat in their stools and dry throat. One person with kidney problems reported itching, though it's unclear if that was from the chitosan or their underlying condition.
Don't take this during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety data. If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid this product, since chitosan comes from shellfish shells.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you take this, double-check if you're on warfarin (Coumadin) or any blood thinner — chitosan may increase its effect. Also confirm you're not taking acyclovir (Zovirax) or another antiviral, since chitosan can reduce how well your body absorbs it.
Your pharmacist can help you sort out the timing or whether this product is right for you.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Chitosan might be worth considering if you're looking at weight management or recovery support and want to explore what the evidence shows. If you take warfarin, acyclovir, or any blood-thinning medication, you'll need to check with your doctor before starting.
Most people tolerate it, but digestive side effects are common. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it fits your needs.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 27, 2021.
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 350 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | BIOVEA |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 818423021485 |
| Net contents | 90 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jul 27, 2021 |
| DSLD ID | 249017 |
| 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 |
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 350 mg by BIOVEA, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Chitosan | 1050 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide
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.
Seals/Symbols
GMP Compliant
Formulation
Non-GMO Gluten free Dairy free
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Daily Intake: Take 3 capsules with 8 oz of water prior to a high fat meal.
Precautions
Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, consult a healthcare professional before using this product.
Since Chitosan prevents the absorption of fats, it should not be taken along with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and it may inhibit the absorption of some medications.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use this product if the safety seal on the bottle is broken.
Contains: Shellfish (Crab).
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
General Statements
Guaranteed premium quality
Slimming
Formula
Chitosan 350 mg per capsule
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Chitosan 350 mg by BIOVEA 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 350 mg by BIOVEA
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.
Chitosan
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: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Chitosan 350 mg by BIOVEA Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Chitosan by BIOVEA can interact with a few medications you might be taking.
The biggest concern is with warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner — there's a case report of a patient whose blood-thinning effect increased significantly after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily, which reversed when they stopped the supplement and took vitamin K. This is a Moderate severity interaction.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Chitosan may also reduce how well your body absorbs acyclovir (Zovirax), an antiviral medication used for herpes and shingles. Research in humans shows that taking chitosan alongside acyclovir lowers the amount of the drug in your bloodstream, which could make the medication less effective — also Moderate severity.
Altogether, these interactions span 3 individual medications. Use the medication checker below with your exact prescriptions before you start, and if you take warfarin or acyclovir, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Chitosan 350 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 350 mg interact with 3 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Chitosan 350 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Chitosan
AcyclovirAvaclyr, Sitavig, Zovirax, Zovirax Injection
How Acyclovir interacts with Chitosan 350 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChitosanAcyclovir (zovirax) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Chitosan can reduce the absorption of acyclovir, potentially increasing the risk for treatment failure.
Read the full Chitosan + Acyclovir interactionWarfarinWarfarin
How Warfarin interacts with Chitosan 350 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChitosanWarfarin (coumadin) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Read the full Chitosan + Warfarin interactionWarfarin SodiumCoumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin
How Warfarin Sodium interacts with Chitosan 350 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChitosanWarfarin (coumadin) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Read the full Chitosan + Warfarin Sodium interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Chitosan 350 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
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 350 mg, from the product label.
BIOVEA
See all BIOVEA products- Name
- BIOVEA
- Street Address
- 9160 E. Bahia Dr.
- City
- Scottsdale
- State
- AZ
- ZipCode
- 85260
- Web Address
- www.biovea.com
Chitosan 350 mg by BIOVEA: Common Questions
Does Chitosan 350 mg by BIOVEA interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will this work for weight loss?
What are the most common side effects?
Can I take this if I have a shellfish allergy?
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Does chitosan really reduce fat absorption?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Chitosan 350 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 350 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Chitosan 350 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 17 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.
Chitosan 17 references
- Jing SB, Li L, Ji D, et al. Effect of chitosan on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49:721-3. PubMed
- Pittler MH, Abbot NC, Harkness EF, Ernst E. Randomized, double-blind trial of chitosan for body weight reduction. Eur J Clin Nutr 1999;53:379-81. PubMed
- Ho SC, Tai ES, Eng PH, et al. In the absence of dietary surveillance, chitosan does not reduce plasma lipids or obesity in hypercholesterolaemic obese Asian subjects. Singapore Med J 2001;42:6-10.
- Bokura H, Kobayashi S. Chitosan decreases total cholesterol in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:721-5. PubMed
- Mhurchu CN, Poppitt SD, McGill AT, et al. The effect of the dietary supplement, Chitosan, on body weight: a randomised controlled trial in 250 overweight and obese adults. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2004;28:1149-56. PubMed
- Huang SS, Sung SH, Chiang CE. Chitosan potentiation of warfarin effect. Ann Pharmacother 2007;41:1912-4. PubMed
- Tsai, G. J. and Su, W. H. Antibacterial activity of shrimp chitosan against Escherichia coli. J Food Prot. 1999;62(3):239-243. PubMed
- Wuolijoki, E., Hirvela, T., and Ylitalo, P. Decrease in serum LDL cholesterol with microcrystalline chitosan. Methods Find.Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1999;21(5):357-361. PubMed
- Nelson, J. L., Alexander, J. W., Gianotti, L., Chalk, C. L., and Pyles, T. Influence of dietary fiber on microbial growth in vitro and bacterial translocation after burn injury in mice. Nutrition 1994;10(1):32-36.
- Schiller RN, Barrager E, Schauss EA, and et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the effects of a rapidly soluble chitosan dietary supplement on weight loss and body composition in overweight and mildly obese individuals. J
- Koide, S. S. Chitin-chitosan: properties, benefits and risks. Nutrition Research 1998;8(6):1091-1101. DOI
- Maezaki Y, Tsuji K, Nakawa, and et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of chitosan in adult males. Biosc Biochem Biotech 1993;57:1439-1444.
- Kubbinga M, Nguyen MA, Staubach P, et al. The influence of chitosan on the oral bioavailability of acyclovir-a comparative bioavailability study in humans. Pharm Res 2015;32(7):2241-9. PubMed
- Jull AB, Ni Mhurchu C, Bennett DA, et al. Chitosan for overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008;(3):CD003892. PubMed
- Schmidl D, Werkmeister R, Kaya S, et al. A Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Chitosan-N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2017;33(5):375-382.
- Moraru C, Mincea MM, Frandes M, Timar B, Ostafe V. A meta-analysis on randomised controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of the dietary supplement chitosan on weight loss, lipid parameters and blood pressure. Medicina (Kaunas). 2018;54(6):109. PubMed
- García MA, Hensler G, Al-Gousous J, Pielenhofer J, Wagner M, Lennernäs H, Langguth P. Novel food drug interaction mechanism involving acyclovir, chitosan and endogenous mucus. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2023;49:100491. PubMed
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