Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine and Valproic acid: 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 may reduce valproate absorption, resulting in lower serum concentrations and potentially reduced seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine and Valproic acid 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; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Resin binds valproate in the gut, reducing its absorption.
What to do
Separate valproate from cholestyramine by at least 3 to 4 hours. Monitor serum valproate levels and seizure control.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine and Valproic acid 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 may reduce valproate absorption, resulting in lower serum concentrations and potentially reduced seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine and Valproic acid?
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 valproate from cholestyramine by at least 3 to 4 hours. Monitor serum valproate levels and seizure control.
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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