Chitosan Plus 1300 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Chitosan Plus 1300 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 Plus 1300 mg is a dietary supplement by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals with 4 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 Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal 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 Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal 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
Chitosan Plus contains 3 active ingredients: chitosan (a fiber derived from shellfish shells), oat bran, and psyllium. These are bulk-forming fibers meant to support digestive and metabolic health.
The capsules also contain gelatin, magnesium stearate, and dicalcium phosphate as inactive binders and fillers.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
Chitosan is possibly effective for obesity and postoperative (after-surgery) recovery, and possibly effective for high blood pressure. For Crohn disease and dry eye, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate it.
Oat bran and psyllium's effectiveness for any condition is not established in our data.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Chitosan is generally well tolerated in the short term, though quality evidence is limited. The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, stomach discomfort, and nausea.
Some people report dryness of the throat, and excess fat in the stool (steatorrhea) has been noted. One person with kidney failure reported itching during use, though it's unclear if chitosan caused it.
Critically, the safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there isn't enough information to know the risks. If you're allergic to shellfish, this product is a concern, since chitosan is derived from shellfish.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you start Chitosan Plus, double-check if you take warfarin (Coumadin) — chitosan may increase your bleeding risk. Also flag if you take acyclovir (Zovirax) — it may reduce how well the antiviral works.
We could not check oat bran or psyllium for drug interactions.
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 Plus may be worth considering if you're looking at fiber for weight management or digestive support — and you don't take warfarin or acyclovir. If you do take either of those, or any prescription medication, check with us first using the tool on this page.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it until you've talked with your doctor or pharmacist.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 27, 2014.
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 Plus 1300 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 039442047410 |
| Net contents | 120 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 27, 2014 |
| DSLD ID | 38083 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Fiber | 1 Gram(s) | 4% |
| Chitosan | 1 Gram(s) | -- |
| Oat Bran | 150 mg | -- |
| Psyllium | 150 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Dicalcium Phosphate
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
Recommended Use: Take 1-2 capsules with 12 oz. of water before each meal, or as directed by a Healthcare professional.
As with all weight loss regimens, be sure to maintain a well balanced diet, and to take plenty of fiber and water.
Precautions
Not to exceed 6 capsules per day.
WARNING: This product is not for use by anyone under the age of 18.
Do not take this if you have or are at risk for any medical condition or disease.
Please consult with a physician before using this product, especially if you are using any prescription drug, over-the-counter medication, or supplements.
Immediately discontinue use if any side effects occur. California Residents Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains a substance known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Keep out of reach of children.
Athletes should consult with their sanctioning authority before use. Do not exceed recommended dose.
Made in a GMP facility on equipment that processes milk, soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat. Contains shellfish (crab/shrimp shell), wheat.
Contains shellfish (crab/shrimp shell), wheat.
Storage
Keep this bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture.
General Statements
100% GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied, return remainder of product and receipt to place of purchase within 30 days for immediate refund or exchange.
Dietary Fiber
USA
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
732-545-3130
Plant #3001104580
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
(C)2014UniversalNutrition
Formulation
Balanced Nutritional Formulas
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Contains shellfish (crab/shrimp shell), wheat.
General
B2614-G-32235
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Chitosan Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal 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 Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 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 & interactionsOat Bran
Psyllium
Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Dicalcium Phosphate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Chitosan Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Chitosan Plus 1300 mg from Universal Nutrition contains chitosan, which interacts with a small number of medications.
The most serious concern is with warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner — chitosan may increase bleeding risk. A case report documented one patient whose blood-clotting levels (INR) climbed significantly after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily; levels normalized once chitosan was stopped and vitamin K was given.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Chitosan also moderately reduces how your body absorbs acyclovir (Zovirax), an antiviral medication. Clinical studies show that taking chitosan alongside acyclovir reduces the drug's blood levels, which could make treatment less effective.
We could not check oat bran and psyllium for interactions — we hold no data on either one. Altogether, these interactions span 3 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to confirm your exact drugs before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Chitosan Plus 1300 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 Plus 1300 mg interact with 2,025 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 4 ingredients in Chitosan Plus 1300 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Dietary Fiber Chitosan
AcyclovirAvaclyr, Sitavig, Zovirax, Zovirax Injection
How Acyclovir interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 2 ingredients. 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 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 + Acyclovir interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 interactionCanagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet
How Canagliflozin, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Canagliflozin, Metformin interactionCanagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR
How Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionCarbamazepineCarbatrol, Carnexiv, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR
How Carbamazepine interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberOral Drugs, Carbamazepine (tegretol) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Carbamazepine interactionDapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR
How Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interactionDapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR
How Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interactionEmpagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR
How Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionEmpagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy
How Empagliflozin, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Empagliflozin, Metformin interactionEmpagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR
How Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionErtugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
How Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionGlipizide, MetforminMetaglip
How Glipizide, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Glipizide, Metformin interactionGlyburide, MetforminGlucovance
How Glyburide, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Glyburide, Metformin interactionLinagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideJentadueto XR
How Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionLithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate
How Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberOral Drugs, Lithium Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interactionMetforminGlucophage, Metformin
How Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Metformin interactionMetformin HydrochlorideRiomet ER
How Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Metformin Hydrochloride interactionMetformin, LinagliptinJentadueto
How Metformin, Linagliptin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Metformin, Linagliptin interactionMetformin, RosiglitazoneAvandamet
How Metformin, Rosiglitazone interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Metformin, Rosiglitazone interactionMetformin, SitagliptinJanumet, Janumet XR
How Metformin, Sitagliptin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Metformin, Sitagliptin interactionOlanzapineZyprexa
How Olanzapine interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberOral Drugs, Olanzapine (zyprexa) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Olanzapine interactionSaxagliptin, Metformin XrKombiglyze
How Saxagliptin, Metformin Xr interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Saxagliptin, Metformin Xr interactionSitagliptin, MetforminZituvimet
How Sitagliptin, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. 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 + Sitagliptin, Metformin interactionWarfarinWarfarin
How Warfarin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 2 ingredients. 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 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 + Warfarin interactionWarfarin SodiumCoumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin
How Warfarin Sodium interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 2 ingredients. 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 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 + Warfarin Sodium interactionPioglitazone, MetforminActoPlus Met
How Pioglitazone, Metformin interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dietary FiberMetformin (glucophage), Oral Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Read the full Dietary Fiber + Pioglitazone, Metformin interaction"phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi
How "phentolamine interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 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 + "phentolamine interaction6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 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 + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavirZiagen
How Abacavir interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 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 interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with Chitosan Plus 1300 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 Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Chitosan Plus 1300 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 Plus 1300 mg, from the product label.
Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals
Chitosan Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals: Common Questions
Does Chitosan Plus 1300 mg by Universal Nutrition / Universal Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is this safe if I have a shellfish allergy?
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects should I expect?
Does chitosan actually work for weight loss?
What are oat bran and psyllium in this formula for?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Chitosan Plus 1300 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 Plus 1300 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 Plus 1300 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
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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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