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Dietary supplement

Psyllium Hulls Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Psyllium Hulls 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Psyllium Hulls 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

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 derived from psyllium seeds. It works by absorbing water in your digestive tract and adding bulk to help move things along.

The capsule itself is an inactive ingredient (the container holding the psyllium inside).

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. The data also shows it's likely effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and coronary heart disease — it can help lower cholesterol and support heart health when used consistently.

These are real therapeutic uses backed by clinical evidence.

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 in adults when you drink plenty of water with it — that's key. The most common side effects are mild and digestive: bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea.

Rarely, people experience bowel or esophageal blockage, especially if they don't drink enough fluid, so adequate water intake matters. Some people can be allergic to psyllium — symptoms range from sneezing and itchy skin to wheezing, swelling, chest tightness, and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock.

If you've been exposed to psyllium dust at work or taken it many times before, you may become sensitized and have a more serious reaction. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, psyllium is likely safe, though use it only under your doctor's guidance for constipation relief.

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 Hulls, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take metformin or lithium — psyllium can reduce how much your body absorbs, and you'll want to space the doses. Also flag carbamazepine (an anti-seizure drug) or olanzapine (an antipsychotic), since psyllium may lower how well they work.

For safety, take psyllium at least 30-60 minutes after any oral medication.

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 solid choice if you're dealing with constipation or want to help lower cholesterol and support heart health — the evidence backs both uses. The main thing to watch is timing: space it 30-60 minutes away from metformin, lithium, or carbamazepine to keep those drugs working properly.

Because psyllium can affect how many medications are absorbed, run your full medication list through the checker on this page and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

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 Mar 25, 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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Psyllium Hulls, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2014
DSLD ID 31177
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Hulls 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Psyllium465 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.
Precautions

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

(Program not recommended for children.)

This carton was sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is damaged.

General Statements

PSYLLIUM HULLS

Intestinal System Support* This package contains 30 packets with 6 herbal combinations in each packet. This represents a fifteen-day supply.

GUARANTEED PURE

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials in its products that are subject to color variation

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials in its products that are subject to color variation. Product of U.S.A.

15 Day Program

Herb Specialists Since 1972

General

Stock No. 3050-5

Formula

Contents- Psyllium Hulls - Bulking Agent

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

INSTRUCTIONS Take the contents of one packet (6 capsules) 15 minutes before meals up to two times daily for 15 days. Drink one glass (8 ounces) of water with the capsules, followed by another glass of water. This should produce two or three bowel movements daily. If stools become too loose, reduce the number of packets being used. Continue the program until all 30 packets have been used. (Program not recommended for children.)

Eat fresh fruits, vegetables (especially green leafy), and whole grains (rice) while using this product. Avoid red meat, coffee, alcohol, and sugary or fried foods. Drink plenty of water.

Seals/Symbols

Nature's Sunshine(R) QUALITY, SERVICE, INTEGRITY

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Psyllium Hulls by Nature's Sunshine label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Psyllium Hulls by Nature's Sunshine

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Psyllium

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
465 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 Hulls by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Psyllium Hulls?

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 checker
2,025Drugs
23 Moderate 2,002 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Psyllium 2,025

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Psyllium Hulls 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Psyllium Hulls, 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 Hulls by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Psyllium Hulls by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Psyllium Hulls 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 Hulls 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.
Do I have to worry about psyllium blocking other medications I'm on?
Psyllium can interfere with how your body absorbs many drugs, which is why timing matters so much. The safest approach is to take psyllium 30-60 minutes after your other medications — that gives them time to get into your bloodstream before the fiber shows up. If you take metformin, lithium, or anti-seizure or antipsychotic drugs, definitely check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people experience mild digestive symptoms: bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea. These usually ease once your body adjusts. The key to avoiding problems is drinking plenty of water when you take it — that helps the fiber do its job without backing things up.
Can I take psyllium while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Psyllium is considered likely safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but use it only for constipation under your doctor's guidance. If you're pregnant or nursing and constipation is an issue, talk with your doctor about whether this is the right choice for you.
Does psyllium actually help with cholesterol or heart health?
Yes — the evidence shows it's likely effective for lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health over time. You need to use it consistently to see the benefit, and it works best as part of a broader approach that includes diet and exercise.
Can I be allergic to psyllium?
Some people are, though it's not super common. Symptoms can range from sneezing and itching to wheezing and swelling. If you've been around psyllium dust on the job or taken it many times, you're at higher risk of developing a sensitivity. Stop and seek care right away if you notice swelling, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

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

Not sure if Psyllium Hulls is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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 Hulls label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Psyllium Hulls'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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