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Dietary supplement

Psyllium Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Psyllium label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Psyllium 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Psyllium is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation relief, diarrhea and loose stools, 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 Psyllium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 3, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: psyllium, a soluble fiber that works mainly in your digestive tract. The capsule itself is an inactive ingredient (the shell that holds the fiber).

Psyllium absorbs water as it moves through your gut, forming a gel-like bulk that softens stool and promotes regular bowel movements. It's a fiber supplement, not a drug.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: intestinal system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Blond Psyllium is rated "Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Blond Psyllium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Blond Psyllium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Crohn disease, Ulcerative colitis, Fecal incontinence.

Psyllium is effective for constipation and likely effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and coronary heart disease. The evidence supporting these uses comes from clinical data, so if you're taking it for one of these purposes, the research backs its use.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blond Psyllium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Psyllium is generally well tolerated by most adults when you drink enough water with it. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and nausea.

Rare but serious side effects include bowel obstruction or esophageal obstruction, so always take it with plenty of water and don't exceed recommended doses. A small number of people are allergic to psyllium.

Allergy symptoms range from sneezing and itchy eyes to serious reactions like swelling, wheezing, chest tightness, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock. If you've had occupational exposure to psyllium dust or have taken it repeatedly, your risk of developing an allergy increases.

Psyllium is rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blond Psyllium

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Blond Psyllium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,026 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take metformin, lithium, carbamazepine, olanzapine, birth control pills, digoxin, or any other oral medications regularly. Psyllium's fiber can slow or reduce absorption of these drugs; spacing your doses 30–60 minutes apart usually helps.

Altogether, these interactions span 2,026 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

Psyllium is a straightforward fiber supplement that works well for constipation and may help with cholesterol and heart health. If you take metformin, lithium, carbamazepine, olanzapine, birth control, digoxin, or other oral medications regularly, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it—timing matters.

Take it with plenty of water and space it 30–60 minutes after your other drugs to be safe.

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 Feb 21, 2023.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Psyllium, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904005402
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 21, 2023
DSLD ID 278203
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
From the label
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 Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
099904005402
IngredientAmount% DV
Psyllium1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
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.

General Statements

Bottle made from 100% post consumer recycled material. We are committed to you and our planet. Scan to learn more. We source the world's purest ingredients, no matter where they are grown, to ensure the active nutrients are delivered just as nature intended.

New look! Same great product

Precautions

May cause allergic reaction in persons sensitive to inhaled or ingested psyllium.

Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

Seals/Symbols

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Formula

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Formulation

Intestinal system support

Guaranteed pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Natures Sunshine Herbal experts since 1972

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended use: Take 2 capsules with at least 8 oz. of water with a meal twice daily.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Psyllium label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Psyllium

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
1200 mg per serving

Blond psyllium is a soluble fiber from the seed husks of Plantago ovata, and it is one of the better-studied fiber supplements. It can help with both...

Psyllium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Psyllium?

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.

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2,025Drugs
23 Moderate 2,002 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Psyllium 2,025

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Psyllium interact with 2,025 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Psyllium interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Psyllium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Psyllium 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.

Psyllium7 drug types · 2,025 drugs

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, blond psyllium might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Blond psyllium might reduce carbamazepine absorption and serum levels. 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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking blond psyllium at the same time as lithium might reduce lithium absorption.
The fiber in blond psyllium might decrease the absorption of lithium. Some case reports describe a reduction in plasma lithium levels with concomitant administration of blond psyllium. This was reversed when psyllium was stopped.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, blond psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Concurrent use of blond psyllium with metformin slows and increases metformin absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Theoretically, taking blond psyllium at the same time as olanzapine might reduce olanzapine absorption.
The fiber in blond psyllium might decrease the absorption of olanzapine. A single case report describes a reduction in the effectiveness of olanzapine when it was taken concomitantly with an unspecified type of psyllium 3 grams orally twice daily. This effect was reversed when psyllium was stopped.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, taking blond psyllium at the same time as digoxin might reduce digoxin absorption.
Psyllium might bind digoxin in the gut. However, some clinical evidence suggests that psyllium does not impact digoxin absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Ethinyl Estradiol

Theoretically, taking blond 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. However, this is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
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. Conversely, 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Psyllium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Psyllium, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc
City
Spanish Fork
State
Utah
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Psyllium by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Psyllium has a known interaction with 2,025 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Psyllium contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take psyllium if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Psyllium is rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation based on available data. However, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to make sure it's right for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects are mild stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea. These usually happen when you don't drink enough water with it. Rare serious side effects include bowel or throat obstruction, so always take psyllium with plenty of water.
Is psyllium actually effective for constipation?
Yes. Psyllium is rated Effective for constipation, meaning clinical evidence supports its use. It's generally considered acceptable for this purpose, but use it only under your doctor's guidance.
Can psyllium help lower my cholesterol?
Yes. Psyllium is rated Likely Effective for high cholesterol and likely effective for coronary heart disease. The research supports using it for these purposes alongside other treatments your doctor recommends.
Can I be allergic to psyllium?
Yes. While uncommon, some people are allergic to psyllium. Symptoms range from sneezing and itchy eyes to serious reactions like swelling, wheezing, and chest tightness. If you've been exposed to psyllium dust on the job or taken it repeatedly, your allergy risk may be higher. Stop and seek medical help if you notice any allergy symptoms.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Psyllium is safe with your meds?

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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.

Psyllium label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Psyllium’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Blond Psyllium

Interacts with 2,025 drugs

Blond psyllium is a soluble fiber from the seed husks of Plantago ovata, and it is one of the better-studied fiber supplements. It can help with both constipation and diarrhea and may modest...

Read the full Blond Psyllium monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Psyllium'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.

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 28 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.

Blond Psyllium 28 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  4. Etman M. Effect of a bulk forming laxative on the bioavailablility of carbamazepine in man. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 1995;21:1901-6.
  5. Perlman BB. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet 1990;335:416.
  6. Agha FP, Nostrant TT, Fiddian-Green RG. Giant colonic bezoar: a medication bezoar due to psyllium seed husks. Am J Gastroenterol 1984;79:319-21.
  7. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Lawrence A, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium intake adjunctive to diet therapy in men and women with hypercholesterolemia: meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:472-9. PubMed
  8. Suhonen R, Kantola I, Bjorksten F. Anaphylactic shock due to ingestion of psyllium laxative. Allergy 1983;38:363-5. PubMed
  9. Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Valentine MD, Adkinson NF. Psyllium laxative-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergy 1996;51:266-8. PubMed
  10. Freeman GL. Psyllium hypersensitivity. Ann Allergy 1994;73:490-2.
  11. Morgan MS, Arlian LG, Vyszenski-Moher DL, et al. English plantain and psyllium: lack of cross-allergenicity by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1995;75:351-9.
  12. Lantner RR, Espiritu BR, Zumerchik P, Tobin MC. Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal. JAMA 1990;264:2534-6. DOI
  13. Schneider RP. Perdiem causes esophageal impaction and bezoars. South Med J 1989;82:1449-50. PubMed
  14. Shulman LM, Minagar A, Weiner WJ. Perdiem causing esophageal obstruction in Parkinson's disease. Neurology 1999;52:670-1. PubMed
  15. James JM, Cooke SK, Barnett A, Sampson HA. Anaphylactic reactions to a psyllium-containing cereal. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1991;88:402-8.. PubMed
  16. Kaplan MJ. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1072-3. DOI
  17. Schaller DR. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1073. DOI
  18. 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..
  19. Robinson DS, Benjamin DM, McCormack JJ. Interaction of warfarin and nonsystemic gastrointestinal drugs. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1971;12:491-5. PubMed
  20. 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
  21. Bernedo N, García M, Gastaminza G, et al. Allergy to laxative compound (Plantago ovata seed) among health care professionals. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2008;18(3):181-9.
  22. Fernandez N, Lopez C, Díez R, et al. Drug interactions with the dietary fiber Plantago ovata husk. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012;8(11):1377-86.
  23. Semen plantaginis in: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, volume 1. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1999. Available at http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/. Accessed November 26, 1026.
  24. Diez R, Garcia JJ, Diez MJ, Sierra M, Sahagun AM, Fernandez N. Influence of Plantago ovata husk (dietary fiber) on the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin in diabetic rabbits. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 7;17(1):298. PubMed
  25. Chiu AC, Sherman SI. Effects of pharmacological fiber supplements on levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid. 1998;8(8):667-71. PubMed
  26. Merrick C, Madden CA, Capurso NA. A Case of Blunted Orally Disintegrating Olanzapine Effect Due to Coadministered Psyllium. J Clin Psychiatry 2021;82(2):20cr13633. PubMed
  27. Shin S, Kim JH, Mun YH, Chung HS. Acute esophageal obstruction after ingestion of psyllium seed husk powder: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022;10(7):2336-2340. PubMed
  28. Tominaga Y, Hirayama I, Nonaka M, Yano T, Ishii M. Intestinal obstruction caused by consuming diet food containing psyllium. Acute Med Surg 2023;10(1):e846. PubMed

See these in context on the Blond Psyllium monograph →

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

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