Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Cholestyramine
Severity: Moderate
Atorvastatin 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 statins in the gut and lowers atorvastatin absorption. Although the lipid-lowering effects are generally additive, taking them together can reduce atorvastatin exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin 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.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Cholestyramine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Bile acid sequestrant binds atorvastatin in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing absorption.
What to do
Give atorvastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor lipid response.
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 Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atorvastatin 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 statins in the gut and lowers atorvastatin absorption. Although the lipid-lowering effects are generally additive, taking them together can reduce atorvastatin exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin 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 atorvastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor lipid response.
What other medicines interact with Atorvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atorvastatin with, for example, Tipranavir, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Atorvastatin page.
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