Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Liothyronine
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Liothyronine: 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 thyroid hormones in the gut and markedly reduces absorption of oral liothyronine. This can cause hypothyroid symptoms and raised TSH.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Liothyronine 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; Liothyronine belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Resin binding of liothyronine in the gastrointestinal tract reduces absorption and may interrupt enterohepatic recirculation.
What to do
Separate liothyronine from cholestyramine by at least 4 hours. Monitor TSH and adjust the thyroid dose if needed.
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 Liothyronine
- Alogliptin-metformin + Liothyronine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Liothyronine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Liothyronine Moderate
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Liothyronine Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Liothyronine Moderate
- Carbonyl iron + Liothyronine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Liothyronine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Liothyronine 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 thyroid hormones in the gut and markedly reduces absorption of oral liothyronine. This can cause hypothyroid symptoms and raised TSH.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Liothyronine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate liothyronine from cholestyramine by at least 4 hours. Monitor TSH and adjust the thyroid dose if needed.
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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