Type of medicine: natural remedy
Scientific and common names: Plantago ovata, psyllium seeds, fleaseed, ispaghula, blond plantago, Englishman's foot, Indian plantago, pale psyllium, sand plantain, spogel, ispagol, blonde psyllium, dietary fiber
Psyllium seed is the cleaned, dried, ripe seed of a plant called plantago ovata. This plant most commonly grows in India.
This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.
Psyllium has been used to treat:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.
Psyllium has also been used to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Psyllium has been approved by the FDA as a source of fiber to soften stools in people with constipation or hemorrhoids.
Psyllium comes in the form of capsules, tablets, and wafers. There is also a powder that is dissolved in water or juice. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Check the label on the package for the specific dose. When you start taking psyllium, start by taking a small amount, and then gradually increase to the recommended dosage. This allows your system to adjust and minimizes gas and bloating.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Do not take psyllium if you have:
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), note that some psyllium products contain phenylalanine.
Diabetics: Psyllium may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Psyllium is safe for most people when taken with plenty of fluids. Make sure you drink plenty of water when you take psyllium. It can be used safely long-term. If you are using psyllium and you have no change in bowel movements in 2 weeks, call your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:
Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing, trouble urinating, rectal bleeding.
Other: Gas, stomach bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, headache, backache, runny nose, cough, sinus irritation.
When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Taking psyllium at the same time as other medicines can make the medicines less effective. As a general rule, take any other medicines by mouth 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take psyllium.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.
This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
