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Dietary supplement

Psyllium Hulls Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Capsule Category: Vitamin
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 the seeds of the blond plantain plant. Psyllium works by absorbing water in your digestive tract, which helps soften stool and increase bulk.

The capsule itself is an inactive ingredient — the delivery form only.

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: soluble fiber for digestive and metabolic health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Hemorrhoids — 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 "Likely Effective" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Blond Psyllium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Psyllium is effective for constipation and likely effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and coronary heart disease. The fiber's ability to lower cholesterol and support heart health is well established in the data we hold.

If you're taking it for one of these reasons, the evidence 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 when you take it with plenty of water. The most common side effects are mild — abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea — and tend to settle as your body adjusts.

Rare but serious effects include bowel or esophageal obstruction, so don't use it without enough fluid. Some people are allergic to psyllium; symptoms range from mild sneezing and itching to severe reactions like wheezing, swelling, and anaphylactic shock.

Occupational exposure or repeated ingestion can increase your risk of sensitization. Backache has also been reported.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, psyllium is likely safe, but check with your doctor before starting — it's meant mainly to manage constipation under medical guidance.

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 you take this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on metformin, lithium, carbamazepine (Tegretol), or olanzapine (Zyprexa) — psyllium can reduce how well these work. Also watch for interactions with birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol or digoxin (Lanoxin).

If you take any oral medications, space them out: take psyllium at least 30 to 60 minutes after your drugs to stay on the safe side.

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 Hulls is a solid choice if you're dealing with constipation, high cholesterol, or heart health support and have no drug interactions to worry about. If you take metformin, lithium, carbamazepine, olanzapine, birth control, digoxin, or other oral medications, spacing your doses by 30 to 60 minutes makes a real difference.

Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start — especially if constipation is new or if you're on medications — to make sure it fits your situation.

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 25, 2013.

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 Feb 25, 2013
DSLD ID 18247
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Dairy Free
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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Psyllium930 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.
General Statements

Psyllium Hulls: A soluble fiber that has a remarkable ability to absorb water, and help absorb bowl toxins. Psyllium Hulls supports healthy sugar metabolism, and may help maintain already normal levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream.*

PSYLLIUM HULLS

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

Product of U.S.A.

By understanding our body's intricate and harmonious systems we can improve our own health and vitality, and share this wisdom with those we love.

30 DAY PROGRAM

Time lapse between eating food and eliminating waste is known as "transit time". Transit time and colon health are directly correlated: the longer the transit time, the longer the intestinal system is exposed to waste. Stress, medication, a poor diet, inadequate fiber, dehydration and lack of exercise can all result in slow transit time, which may results in a variety of conditions related to an unhealthy colon. The ingredients in this 30 day Intestinal System program are formulated and traditionally used to support proper elimination and colon health.*

Intestinal System Supports Proper Elimination*

Each packet in this 30 day program contains 2 Bowel Detox capsules, 1 Probiotic Eleven capsules and 2 Psyllium Hulls capsules.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for long-term use.

This carton was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer shrink wrap is missing or damaged.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Ko PAREVE

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

Precautions

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

Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea, or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2012 Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

RECOMMENDATION Each day take the contents of two packets: take one packet in the morning with breakfast, and one packet in the evening with a meal. Follow this pattern for 30 days.

Storage

FOR BEST RESULTS REFRIGERATE THIS BOX UPON RECEIPT

General

Stock No. 5382-9

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

Psyllium

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
930 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.
Is psyllium safe to use every day?
Yes, psyllium is generally well tolerated for regular use in adults when you drink enough water with it. It's designed to work daily for constipation relief and cholesterol support. But if you're constipated for the first time or constipation is new, check with your doctor before starting — it could signal something that needs attention.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people experience mild effects like bloating, gas, indigestion, or a little diarrhea at first, especially if you're not used to fiber. These usually ease as your body adjusts. Take it with plenty of water to keep things moving smoothly and lower your risk of serious but rare problems like blockages.
Can I take psyllium if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Psyllium is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but talk with your doctor first. It acts mainly in your gut and doesn't enter your bloodstream in large amounts, so the risk is low — but your doctor knows your full health picture and can give you personalized advice.
Does psyllium actually lower cholesterol?
Yes — psyllium is likely effective for high cholesterol and supporting heart health. The soluble fiber binds cholesterol in your gut and helps your body eliminate it, which is why it's often recommended alongside diet changes.
What's the best way to take psyllium with my other medications?
Take psyllium at least 30 to 60 minutes after your other oral medications. Psyllium fiber can bind drugs in your digestive tract and slow their absorption, which might weaken their effects. Spacing doses gives your medications time to be absorbed before the psyllium does its job.
Can I be allergic to psyllium?
Yes, some people are allergic. Symptoms can range from sneezing, itching, and a rash to serious reactions like wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction — especially throat tightness or trouble breathing — stop use and seek help right away.

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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