Drug interactions
Colestipol + Lovastatin
Severity: Minor
Colestipol and Lovastatin: 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
Colestipol binds lovastatin in the gut and can reduce its absorption, potentially lessening the lipid-lowering effect. The combination is sometimes used deliberately for additive LDL reduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colestipol and Lovastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Colestipol belongs to Cardiovascular; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Bile acid sequestrant binds lovastatin in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give lovastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol, and monitor the lipid profile.
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 Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Colestipol
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Colestipol Moderate
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Colestipol Moderate
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Colestipol Moderate
- Azilsartan-chlorthalidone + Colestipol Moderate
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Colestipol Moderate
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Colestipol Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colestipol with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Colestipol and Lovastatin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Colestipol binds lovastatin in the gut and can reduce its absorption, potentially lessening the lipid-lowering effect. The combination is sometimes used deliberately for additive LDL reduction.
How serious is the interaction between Colestipol and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give lovastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol, and monitor the lipid profile.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
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