Drug interactions
Colestipol + Simvastatin
Severity: Minor
Colestipol and Simvastatin: 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 simvastatin in the gut and may reduce its absorption, though the lipid-lowering effects of the combination are generally additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colestipol and Simvastatin 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; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Bile acid sequestrant binding in the gastrointestinal tract reduces simvastatin absorption.
What to do
Give simvastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol, with simvastatin in the evening.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin 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 Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Colestipol and Simvastatin 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 simvastatin in the gut and may reduce its absorption, though the lipid-lowering effects of the combination are generally additive.
How serious is the interaction between Colestipol and Simvastatin?
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 simvastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol, with simvastatin in the evening.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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