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I take several high blood pressure medications throughout the day. I am familiar with what they treat, their side effects, and dosages. I am also going to begin taking the high fiber supplement Glucomannan. My question is: Will the ingestion of Glucomannan inhibit the absorption of medications? If so, how many hours apart should I allow between the ingestion of Glucomannan and my medications?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

When mixed with water or other fluids, glucomannan forms a sticky, slippery gel that may coat the stomach and intestines. In theory, taking glucomannan by mouth could block the absorption of drugs, herbal products, other dietary supplements, or nutrients from foods that are taken at the same time. If you take glucomannan, do not take drugs or herbals within 2 hours.

Because glucomannan may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia -- blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:

Eleuthero
Fenugreek
Ginger (in high amounts)
Kudzu
Panax ginseng

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals.

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsInteractions/0,3926,552514%7CGlucomannan,00.html

I hope that helps!

Kerry

Reply to Kerry's Post: Thanks, Kerry, for your answer and explanation. It does help. Your answer prompts me to ask another. Does the Glucomannan dosage SIZE affect the time one should wait then between glucomannan ingestion and medications and/or dietary supplements? I have been reading about the studies done with Glucomannan, wherein some lowering of blood pressure, cholesterol and WEIGHT LOSS was reported ! The dosage, according to blind studies was 3 Grams a day, taken as 1 gram three times a day. Would this "Glu" dosage size taken as above increase the time between glucomannan ingestion and medications from 2 hours to something higher? Or, would the times between remain essentially the same regardless of dosage size? Thanks very much. And I will check about interactions with a pharmacist as suggested.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on August 2 2005 at 2:45 PM

I would go with the 2 hour guideline as stated in the literature. You could choose to go 3 hours to be on the safe side, but I think you are okay.

Glad I could help! Please consider clicking on the accept button.

Kerry

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