Is DIM (Diindolylmethane) Safe To Take With Antibiotics?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between DIM (Diindolylmethane) and antibiotic drugs.
Hi, I was prescribed cefadroxil 500mg for my acne and was also planning on starting 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) supplements for hormonal acne. Are these safe to combine or are there any dangerous interactions between the two? Thanks so much for taking the time to answer!
Jan 27, 2023- No evidence supports an interaction between DIM and most antibiotics, including cefadroxil.
- DIM is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage that is commonly used as a dietary supplement.
- Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking so they can monitor you appropriately.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out! Although there often is a lack of data regarding potential interactions between drugs and supplements, I could find no evidence that supports the existence of an interaction between DIM (Diindolylmethane) and antibiotics, including cefadroxil.
What Is DIM?
Diindolylmethane (DIM), also known by its chemical name 3,3'-Diindolylmethane, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale.
It is popularly used as a dietary supplement and often marketed as a natural way to support hormone balance, specifically estrogen imbalances, and as a 'detoxifying agent'.
Does DIM Interact With Any Drugs?
More research is definitely needed here, but there are some theoretical interactions between DIM and other drugs. We have a full list of potential interactions with DIM found on the interactions section of our website.
For one interaction example, DIM may reduce estrogen levels, and thus, could reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-type drugs.
Additionally, some small studies report that DIM could reduce the activity of a specific metabolizing enzyme, CYP1A2, and could potentially interact with any drug that is metabolized by it.
Some examples of drugs that are metabolized by CYP1A2 include:
- Amitriptyline
- Clomipramine
- Imipramine
- Duloxetine
- Olanzapine
- Tamoxifen
- Fluvoxamine
- Ramelteon
- Tizanidine
While some antibiotics are known inhibitors of CYP1A2, like ciprofloxacin, the vast majority of antibiotics are not primarily metabolized by that enzyme, including cephalosporins such as cefadroxil and cephalexin.
Cefadroxil is actually very minimally metabolized at all. In fact, over 90% of the drug is excreted unchanged (i.e., un-metabolized) in the urine. There is just no evidence to suggest that DIM interferes/interacts with cefadroxil or most other antibiotics.
Final Words
Based on all the available information I could find, it appears there is no interaction between DIM and cefadroxil and they are likely safe to combine.
As always though, make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking, including supplements, so you can be appropriately monitored.
Thanks so much for using us! I hope you found this information helpful!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Diindolylmethane (DIM)
- A compound found naturally in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage that is sold as a dietary supplement.
- Cruciferous vegetables
- A family of vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, and kale that contain certain beneficial plant compounds.
- Dietary supplement
- A product taken by mouth containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances intended to supplement the diet.
- Estrogen
- A hormone in the body that plays a key role in reproductive health and other bodily functions.
- Metabolizing enzyme
- A protein in the body that breaks down drugs and other substances so they can be eliminated.
- CYP1A2
- A specific enzyme in the body responsible for breaking down certain medications.
- Cephalosporins
- A class of antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
- Excreted
- Removed or eliminated from the body, typically through urine or feces.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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