Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Ursodiol
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Ursodiol: 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 ursodiol in the gut and reduces its absorption, which can diminish its therapeutic effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Ursodiol 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; Ursodiol belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Binding of ursodiol to the resin in the gut reduces absorption.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; otherwise separate dosing by at least 4 hours and monitor liver tests and clinical 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 Ursodiol
- Aluminum hydroxide + Ursodiol Moderate
- Colesevelam + Ursodiol Moderate
- Colestipol + Ursodiol Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Ursodiol Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ursodiol Moderate
- Calcium + Ursodiol Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Ursodiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Ursodiol 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 ursodiol in the gut and reduces its absorption, which can diminish its therapeutic effect.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Ursodiol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use where possible; otherwise separate dosing by at least 4 hours and monitor liver tests and clinical 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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