Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Colestipol
Severity: Minor
Atorvastatin and Colestipol: minor 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
Colestipol binds atorvastatin in the gut and lowers its absorption and plasma levels. The LDL-lowering effect of the combination is still greater than that of either drug alone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Colestipol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Colestipol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Bile acid sequestrant binds atorvastatin in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give atorvastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol to minimise binding, and monitor lipid response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Colestipol
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Colestipol Moderate
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Colestipol Moderate
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Colestipol Moderate
- Azilsartan-chlorthalidone + Colestipol Moderate
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Colestipol Moderate
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Colestipol Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Colestipol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atorvastatin and Colestipol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Colestipol binds atorvastatin in the gut and lowers its absorption and plasma levels. The LDL-lowering effect of the combination is still greater than that of either drug alone.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Colestipol?
MediHelp rates it minor, 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 hours after colestipol to minimise binding, and 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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