Drug interactions
Chlorthalidone + Cholestyramine
Severity: Moderate
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 can bind thiazide-type diuretics in the gut and reduce their absorption. This may weaken the diuretic and antihypertensive effect of chlorthalidone.
What this interaction means in plain words
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.
Chlorthalidone belongs to Cardiovascular; Cholestyramine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Anion-exchange resin binds chlorthalidone in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing its oral bioavailability.
What to do
Give chlorthalidone at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and edema 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 Chlorthalidone
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorthalidone with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. 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 can bind thiazide-type diuretics in the gut and reduce their absorption. This may weaken the diuretic and antihypertensive effect of chlorthalidone.
How serious is the interaction between 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 chlorthalidone at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and edema control.
What other medicines interact with Chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorthalidone with, for example, Amifostine, Atenolol-chlorthalidone, Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide. The full list is on the Chlorthalidone page.
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