Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Rosuvastatin
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Rosuvastatin: 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 is a bile acid sequestrant that binds statins in the gut and may reduce their absorption. The result can be lower rosuvastatin levels and a weaker effect, although the lipid-lowering effects of the two drugs are partly complementary.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Rosuvastatin 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; Rosuvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Cholestyramine binds rosuvastatin in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption.
What to do
Give rosuvastatin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after 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 Rosuvastatin
Other interactions of Cholestyramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Rosuvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Rosuvastatin 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 is a bile acid sequestrant that binds statins in the gut and may reduce their absorption. The result can be lower rosuvastatin levels and a weaker effect, although the lipid-lowering effects of the two drugs are partly complementary.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Rosuvastatin?
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 rosuvastatin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor the lipid profile.
What other medicines interact with Rosuvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rosuvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Cyclosporin, Darolutamide. The full list is on the Rosuvastatin page.
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