Drug interactions
Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Cholestyramine
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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 thiazide-type diuretics in the gut and can lower the absorption of chlorthalidone, weakening its blood pressure and diuretic effect. Binding of atenolol is possible but less well characterized.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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.
Atenolol-chlorthalidone belongs to Cardiovascular; Cholestyramine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Anion-exchange resin adsorbs the oral drugs in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces their bioavailability.
What to do
Give atenolol-chlorthalidone at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and adjust therapy if control worsens.
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 Atenolol-chlorthalidone
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol-chlorthalidone with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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 thiazide-type diuretics in the gut and can lower the absorption of chlorthalidone, weakening its blood pressure and diuretic effect. Binding of atenolol is possible but less well characterized.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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: Give atenolol-chlorthalidone at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and adjust therapy if control worsens.
What other medicines interact with Atenolol-chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atenolol-chlorthalidone with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Atenolol-chlorthalidone page.
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