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Drug interactions

Colestipol + Gemfibrozil

Severity: Moderate

Colestipol and Gemfibrozil: 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

Colestipol binds gemfibrozil in the gut and reduces absorption, which may weaken the lipid-lowering effect.

What this interaction means in plain words

Colestipol and Gemfibrozil 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.

Colestipol belongs to Cardiovascular; Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Binding of gemfibrozil by the bile acid sequestrant in the gastrointestinal lumen reduces absorption.

What to do

Give gemfibrozil at least 2 hours before or after colestipol. Monitor lipid 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Colestipol with Gemfibrozil?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Colestipol and Gemfibrozil 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. Colestipol binds gemfibrozil in the gut and reduces absorption, which may weaken the lipid-lowering effect.

How serious is the interaction between Colestipol and Gemfibrozil?

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 gemfibrozil at least 2 hours before or after colestipol. Monitor lipid response.

What other medicines interact with Gemfibrozil?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemfibrozil with, for example, Daprodustat, Elagolix, Mavacamten. The full list is on the Gemfibrozil page.

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