Drug interactions
Chlorothiazide + Cholestyramine
Severity: Moderate
Chlorothiazide 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 oral chlorothiazide in the gut and lowers its absorption. This can reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorothiazide 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.
Chlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular; Cholestyramine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Anion-exchange resin binds chlorothiazide in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give chlorothiazide at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and edema.
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 Cholestyramine
Other interactions of Chlorothiazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorothiazide with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorothiazide 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 oral chlorothiazide in the gut and lowers its absorption. This can reduce the diuretic and antihypertensive effect.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorothiazide 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 chlorothiazide at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and edema.
What other medicines interact with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cholestyramine with, for example, Cholic acid, Deferasirox, Leflunomide. The full list is on the Cholestyramine page.
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