Drug interactions
Colesevelam + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Colesevelam and Metformin: 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 also lowers glucose and does not appear to substantially reduce metformin absorption in studies. The combination is used therapeutically, with additive glycemic benefit rather than harm.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colesevelam and Metformin 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 belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
No significant interaction mechanism; additive glucose lowering, and a possible minor effect on metformin absorption.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Monitor glucose when colesevelam is started and consider spacing the doses if reduced metformin effect is suspected.
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
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Colesevelam and Metformin 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 also lowers glucose and does not appear to substantially reduce metformin absorption in studies. The combination is used therapeutically, with additive glycemic benefit rather than harm.
How serious is the interaction between Colesevelam and Metformin?
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 adjustment is needed. Monitor glucose when colesevelam is started and consider spacing the doses if reduced metformin effect is suspected.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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