Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Paracetamol
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Paracetamol: 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 oral paracetamol in the gut and reduces its absorption, which may delay or lessen analgesic and antipyretic effect. The effect is largest when both are taken together.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Paracetamol 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; Paracetamol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Bile acid sequestrant binds paracetamol in the gastrointestinal lumen, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give paracetamol at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine.
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 Paracetamol
- Ethanol + Paracetamol Major
- Busulfan + Paracetamol Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Felbamate + Paracetamol Moderate
- Fosphenytoin + Paracetamol Moderate
- Imatinib + Paracetamol Moderate
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Paracetamol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Paracetamol 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 oral paracetamol in the gut and reduces its absorption, which may delay or lessen analgesic and antipyretic effect. The effect is largest when both are taken together.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Paracetamol?
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 paracetamol at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine.
What other medicines interact with Paracetamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paracetamol with, for example, Ethanol, Busulfan, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Paracetamol page.
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