Meta Information
ID:psyllium-husk
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/oral-medications-general
Target name:
All Oral Medications & Supplements
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Psyllium forms a viscous gel in the gastrointestinal tract that can physically trap other substances, significantly reducing their absorption and bioavailability.
Actionable advice:
Take psyllium at least 1 hour before or 2-4 hours after any other oral medications or supplements.
Target id:
/dietary/water
Target name:
Adequate Liquid (Water)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Psyllium husk is a bulk-forming fiber that absorbs large amounts of water. Without sufficient liquid, it can swell and cause choking or obstruction in the throat or intestines.
Actionable advice:
Always mix each dose of psyllium with at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of liquid, drink immediately, and follow with another glass of water.
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine_systemic_disease
Target name:
Levothyroxine
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Psyllium fiber can bind to levothyroxine in the gut, significantly decreasing its absorption for this narrow therapeutic index drug, leading to hypothyroidism.
Actionable advice:
Separate psyllium and levothyroxine doses by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/digoxin
Target name:
Digoxin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
The gel-forming properties of psyllium can decrease the absorption of digoxin, a narrow therapeutic index drug, potentially reducing its effect on heart rhythm.
Actionable advice:
Separate psyllium and digoxin doses by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/lithium
Target name:
Lithium
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Psyllium can bind to lithium and decrease its absorption, potentially leading to subtherapeutic levels and loss of mood stabilization.
Actionable advice:
Separate psyllium and lithium doses by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/condition/dysphagia
Target name:
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Due to its rapid swelling upon contact with liquid, psyllium poses a significant choking hazard for individuals with difficulty swallowing.
Actionable advice:
Do not take psyllium if you have any difficulty swallowing.
Target id:
/condition/bowel-obstruction-stricture
Target name:
Bowel Obstruction or Stricture
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
The bulking action of psyllium can worsen or cause a complete blockage in individuals with a pre-existing intestinal obstruction or narrowing (stricture).
Actionable advice:
Avoid psyllium completely if you have a history of bowel obstruction or intestinal strictures.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications (e.g., Metformin, Sulfonylureas, Insulin)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Psyllium slows carbohydrate absorption, which can lower blood sugar levels and potentiate the effects of diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose closely when starting psyllium and consult your doctor, as your medication dosage may need adjustment.
Target id:
/class/anticonvulsants
Target name:
Anticonvulsant Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Psyllium fiber can delay or reduce the absorption of anticonvulsant medications, potentially lowering their blood concentration and increasing seizure risk.
Actionable advice:
Separate psyllium from anticonvulsant medications by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/chelating-minerals
Target name:
Minerals (e.g., Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Psyllium fiber can bind to multivalent minerals in the gut, forming complexes that are poorly absorbed and reducing their bioavailability.
Actionable advice:
Take mineral supplements at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before psyllium husk.
Target id:
/class/tricyclic-antidepressants
Target name:
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Co-administration with psyllium may reduce the absorption of tricyclic antidepressants, potentially diminishing their therapeutic effects.
Actionable advice:
Separate psyllium from tricyclic antidepressants by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.25
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking psyllium with a meal slows the absorption of carbohydrates and fats, which helps to blunt post-meal glucose and insulin spikes and can aid cholesterol management.
Actionable advice:
For blood sugar or cholesterol management, take psyllium just before or with your meals.
Target id:
/class/statins
Target name:
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Psyllium lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing bile acid excretion, a mechanism that is complementary to statins, leading to an additive cholesterol-lowering effect.
Actionable advice:
Psyllium can be used with statins for enhanced LDL cholesterol reduction, but be sure to separate the doses.
Target id:
/class/fat-soluble-vitamins
Target name:
Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Long-term, high-dose psyllium use may theoretically reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins by trapping them within its gel matrix.
Actionable advice:
Separate psyllium from fat-soluble vitamin supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/condition/phenylketonuria
Target name:
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Some commercial psyllium products contain aspartame (a source of phenylalanine) as a sweetener, which must be avoided by individuals with PKU.
Actionable advice:
If you have PKU, only use unsweetened, pure psyllium husk products and check labels carefully.