Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Gemfibrozil
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Gemfibrozil: 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 gemfibrozil and lower its absorption, reducing its lipid-lowering effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Gemfibrozil 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; Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Resin binds gemfibrozil in the gastrointestinal lumen, decreasing absorption.
What to do
Give gemfibrozil at least 2 hours before 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 Cholestyramine
Other interactions of Gemfibrozil
- Daprodustat + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Metformin-repaglinide Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Repaglinide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Gemfibrozil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Gemfibrozil 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 gemfibrozil and lower its absorption, reducing its lipid-lowering effect.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Gemfibrozil?
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 gemfibrozil at least 2 hours before cholestyramine. Monitor the lipid profile.
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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