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Dietary supplement

Psyllium Husk Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bixa Botanical

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

Psyllium Husk is a dietary supplement by Bixa Botanical 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 Plantago ovata powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Psyllium Husk by Bixa Botanical

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.

Bixa Botanical Psyllium Husk is a single-ingredient product: Plantago ovata powder, also called blond psyllium. This is a soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the plantago plant.

There are no inactive ingredients—what you're taking is pure psyllium fiber.

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: promotes safe and natural laxation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Fecal incontinence, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bowel regularity — and 1 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 Fecal incontinence.

Psyllium is effective for constipation and likely effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and coronary heart disease risk reduction. The evidence supporting these uses comes from clinical study.

If you're considering this product for one of these conditions, it has established benefit—but talk with your doctor about whether it's right for your situation.

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 powder is generally well tolerated for most adults when you drink plenty of water with it. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and nausea.

Rare but serious side effects include bowel or esophageal obstruction, so it's important to take it with adequate fluids. Some people can develop an allergy to psyllium—symptoms range from sneezing and itching to wheezing, swelling, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock.

If you've been exposed to psyllium dust occupationally or taken it repeatedly before, you're at higher risk for sensitization. Backache has been reported in some users.

Psyllium is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but since the safety data is limited, talk with your doctor before using it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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 start psyllium, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take metformin, lithium, carbamazepine, olanzapine, birth control pills containing estrogen, digoxin, or any other oral medications. Spacing your doses 30–60 minutes apart can reduce the risk, but the exact timing depends on your specific drugs and your situation—your pharmacist or doctor can work that out with you.

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 husk is an effective fiber for constipation and has solid evidence for helping manage cholesterol and heart disease risk. The main caution is spacing: take it 30–60 minutes away from your other medications to avoid reducing how well they're absorbed.

If you take metformin, lithium, carbamazepine, olanzapine, or birth control pills, check the timing with your pharmacist or doctor first. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid rare but serious blockages.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 23, 2020.

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 Husk, straight from the product label.

Brand Bixa Botanical
Barcode (UPC) 8904289001517
Net contents 200 Gram(s); 7 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 23, 2020
DSLD ID 229714
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Husk by Bixa Botanical, 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:
3 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Gram(s)
Servings per container
66
UPC/BARCODE
8904289001517
IngredientAmount% DV
Plantago ovata powder3 Gram(s)--

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: One - two teaspoon with 1 glass warm water daily at night or as directed by your health practitioner.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Trademark of Bixa Botanical INC, USA

Formulation

Promotes safe & natural laxation

Vegan

Non GMO

Formula

Seed husk powder

K LBD (Kosher)

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Food Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this product is a herbal food supplement and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease.

Precautions

Warning: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov/food.

This product is not intended for use by those with serious medical condition or pregnant or lactating women.

Consult your physician before use.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place.

General Statements

Product of India

Over 140 years of quality trust

More than a company, Bixa Botanical is a dream - to share the collective knowledge of five generations of a family with the world; secrets of Herbal Healing that have been painstakingly accumulated over the last 140 years. Over 500 varieties of herbs are exclusively cleaned, processed and packed-in the company's ultra-modern in-house facilities.

Mfg. Lic. No : MP25D/14/318

Seals/Symbols

Good manufacturing practices GMP Certified K LBD (Kosher)

See for yourself

Psyllium Husk by Bixa Botanical label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Psyllium Husk by Bixa Botanical

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

Serving size3 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container66 Amounts shown are per serving.

Plantago ovata powder

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
3 Gram(s) 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...

Plantago ovata powder monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Psyllium Husk by Bixa Botanical Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Psyllium Husk?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Psyllium Husk 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.

Plantago ovata powder7 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 Husk, from the product label.

Bixa Botanical

See all Bixa Botanical products
Name
Stelcore Management Service LLC
Street Address
8, Green Suite, #5766
City
Dover
State
Delaware
ZipCode
19901
Phone Number
+1281897875
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Psyllium Husk by Bixa Botanical: Common Questions

Does Psyllium Husk by Bixa Botanical interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Psyllium Husk 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 Husk 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 this with my medications?
Psyllium can interfere with how your body absorbs several medications, including metformin, lithium, and some antiseizure and antipsychotic drugs. The good news is spacing helps: take psyllium 30–60 minutes after your other medications. Check with your pharmacist or doctor about your exact medicines to make sure the timing works for you.
What are the side effects?
Most people experience mild stomach effects like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare but can include bowel blockage, which is why it's crucial to drink plenty of water. A small number of people have allergic reactions ranging from sneezing to swelling or difficulty breathing. Stop and get medical help if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Psyllium is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, the safety data is limited, so it's best to talk with your doctor before starting it if you're pregnant or nursing to make sure it fits your individual situation.
Does it really work for constipation?
Yes—psyllium is effective for constipation. It's also likely effective for lowering cholesterol and reducing coronary heart disease risk. The evidence is solid, but make sure you're drinking enough water to let it work properly and safely.
What exactly is in this powder?
This product contains only Plantago ovata powder, a soluble fiber from the plantago plant seeds. There are no fillers, binders, or other inactive ingredients—it's pure psyllium.

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

Not sure if Psyllium Husk 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 Husk label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Psyllium Husk'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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