About colesevelam hydrochloride
Bile acid sequestrant
Used for
- Lowers LDL cholesterol, alongside diet and other treatments when needed.
- Helps control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Usual adult dose
Cholesterol: 3.75 g once daily or divided twice daily. Type 2 diabetes: 3.75 g once daily with a meal.
Usual dose in children
For familial hypercholesterolemia, ages 10–17: 3.75 g once daily or divided twice daily; use with meals.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Indigestion or nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Important warnings
- May cause or worsen constipation; avoid with bowel obstruction.
- Can raise triglycerides; not suitable with very high triglyceride levels or prior pancreatitis from high triglycerides.
- May reduce absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Separate certain medicines by at least four hours; follow medicine-specific instructions.
Pregnancy
Limited pregnancy data; it is minimally absorbed, but reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins may matter.
Breastfeeding
Minimal absorption makes exposure through milk unlikely; effects on vitamin absorption should be considered.
Interactions
- Can reduce absorption of thyroid hormone, warfarin, cyclosporine, and some diabetes medicines.
- Take oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone at least four hours beforehand.
- May reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; separate supplements by at least four hours.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.