Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Niacin
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Niacin: 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 niacin and reduce its absorption, though the combination is used for lipid lowering. The extent of reduction may vary.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Niacin 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; Niacin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Resin binds niacin in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give niacin at least 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor the lipid response.
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 Niacin
- Alogliptin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Atorvastatin + Niacin Moderate
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Colestipol + Niacin Moderate
- Dapagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
- Empagliflozin-metformin + Niacin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Niacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Niacin 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 niacin and reduce its absorption, though the combination is used for lipid lowering. The extent of reduction may vary.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Niacin?
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 niacin at least 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor the lipid response.
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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