Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Fluvastatin
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Fluvastatin: 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 fluvastatin in the gut and markedly reduces its absorption. This can diminish the statin's lipid-lowering effect if the two are taken together.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Fluvastatin 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 belongs to Cardiovascular; Fluvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Cholestyramine binds fluvastatin in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give fluvastatin at least 4 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor the lipid profile.
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 Fluvastatin
- Cyclosporine + Fluvastatin Major
- Cyclosporin + Fluvastatin Major
- Fluvastatin + Gemfibrozil Major
- Fluvastatin + Letermovir Major
- Fluvastatin + Red yeast rice Major
- Apalutamide + Fluvastatin Moderate
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Fluvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Fluvastatin 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 fluvastatin in the gut and markedly reduces its absorption. This can diminish the statin's lipid-lowering effect if the two are taken together.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Fluvastatin?
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 fluvastatin at least 4 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor the lipid profile.
What other medicines interact with Fluvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluvastatin with, for example, Cyclosporine, Cyclosporin, Gemfibrozil. The full list is on the Fluvastatin page.
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