Drug interactions
Colesevelam + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Colesevelam and Metformin-pioglitazone: minor 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
Colesevelam is a bile acid sequestrant that can bind some co-administered drugs in the gut. Data suggest that it may modestly alter metformin exposure, and it also lowers glucose, so the combination is generally compatible. The clinical effect is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colesevelam and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Colesevelam belongs to Endocrine; Metformin-pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Possible binding of metformin in the gastrointestinal tract by the bile acid sequestrant; the exact mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; monitor glycemic control when starting or stopping colesevelam. If concern exists, give metformin-pioglitazone at least 4 hours before colesevelam.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone
Other interactions of Colesevelam
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Colesevelam Moderate
- Amlodipine-olmesartan + Colesevelam Moderate
- Chenodiol + Colesevelam Moderate
- Cholic acid + Colesevelam Moderate
- Colesevelam + Cyclosporin Moderate
- Colesevelam + Glibenclamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colesevelam with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Colesevelam and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Colesevelam is a bile acid sequestrant that can bind some co-administered drugs in the gut. Data suggest that it may modestly alter metformin exposure, and it also lowers glucose, so the combination is generally compatible. The clinical effect is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Colesevelam and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; monitor glycemic control when starting or stopping colesevelam. If concern exists, give metformin-pioglitazone at least 4 hours before colesevelam.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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