Benefiber is a powdered fiber supplement made with wheat dextrin. Available in both flavored and unflavored varieties, Benefiber is designed to be mixed with liquid or food. One serving of Benefiber provides 3 g of fiber. The American Dietetic Association recommends that most people get 20 to 35 g of fiber a day. Consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans are ways to get fiber in your diet. Fiber helps prevent constipation and helps keep cholesterol lower. But fiber can sometimes interfere with the absorption of some medications.
Uses of Fiber Supplements
People who have a difficult time consuming enough fiber in their diet may take fiber supplements such as Benefiber. Fiber supplements are an alternative to laxatives to relieve constipation. If you're trying to lower your cholesterol, your doctor may suggest taking a fiber supplement in addition to a low-fat diet. People on reduced-calorie diets may take fiber supplements to help them feel fuller between meals.
Action of Fiber
Fiber in foods and in supplements such as Benefiber slows digestion. This can help regulate blood sugar and help you feel full longer, and it also helps regulate cholesterol. But if you take medications with Benefiber, the fiber can also slow down absorption of the medication, which can be a problem with medications that require exact dosing, such as seizure medication and blood sugar medications.
Medications Affected by Fiber
Fiber may interfere with the action of tricyclic antidepressants, seizure medications, diabetes medications, lithium and digoxin. Fiber may lower the therapeutic levels of these drugs in your bloodstream, reducing their effectiveness. In one study, a fiber supplement containing guar gum interfered with the absorption of penicillin. Though Benefiber does not contain guar gum, you probably shouldn't take Benefiber at the same time you take penicillin.
What to Do
If you take medication, ask your doctor if fiber supplements such as Benefiber will interfere with the medication's effectiveness. You may need to take the Benefiber several hours before or after you take your medication so the two don't interfere with each other. In some cases, your doctor may tell you to discontinue taking the Benefiber or to lower the dose.
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