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Drug interactions

Cholestyramine + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan

Severity: Moderate

Cholestyramine and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan: 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 hydrochlorothiazide in the gut and markedly reduces its absorption, weakening the diuretic and antihypertensive effect. Valsartan absorption could be affected as well.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cholestyramine and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan 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; Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Anion-exchange resin binds hydrochlorothiazide in the gastrointestinal tract, forming nonabsorbable complexes.

What to do

Give the hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and adjust therapy if control is lost.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cholestyramine with Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan 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 hydrochlorothiazide in the gut and markedly reduces its absorption, weakening the diuretic and antihypertensive effect. Valsartan absorption could be affected as well.

How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?

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 the hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor blood pressure and adjust therapy if control is lost.

What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Sparsentan. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan page.

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