Drug interactions
Colesevelam + Thyroid desiccated
Severity: Moderate
Colesevelam and Thyroid desiccated: 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
Colesevelam can bind oral thyroid hormones in the gut and reduce absorption of desiccated thyroid. This may result in raised TSH and hypothyroid symptoms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colesevelam and Thyroid desiccated 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.
Why it happens
Resin binding of thyroid hormones in the gastrointestinal tract decreases absorption.
What to do
Give thyroid tablets at least 4 hours before colesevelam and check TSH after starting or changing colesevelam.
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 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 Thyroid desiccated?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Colesevelam and Thyroid desiccated 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. Colesevelam can bind oral thyroid hormones in the gut and reduce absorption of desiccated thyroid. This may result in raised TSH and hypothyroid symptoms.
How serious is the interaction between Colesevelam and Thyroid desiccated?
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 thyroid tablets at least 4 hours before colesevelam and check TSH after starting or changing colesevelam.
What other medicines interact with Colesevelam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colesevelam with, for example, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Amlodipine-olmesartan, Chenodiol. The full list is on the Colesevelam page.
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