Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Cholestyramine
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Cholestyramine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Cholestyramine binds amiodarone in the gut and interrupts its enterohepatic recirculation, reducing amiodarone exposure. This can be used to speed elimination after toxicity but may cause loss of efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Cholestyramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Cholestyramine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Binding of oral amiodarone in the gut lumen reduces absorption and enterohepatic recirculation.
What to do
Separate doses (amiodarone at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine) and monitor rhythm control.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Cholestyramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Cholestyramine binds amiodarone in the gut and interrupts its enterohepatic recirculation, reducing amiodarone exposure. This can be used to speed elimination after toxicity but may cause loss of efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Cholestyramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate doses (amiodarone at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine) and monitor rhythm control.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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