Drug interactions with colesevelam can occur if it is taken with warfarin, phenytoin, or vitamin K products, among other medicines. These interactions can decrease the absorption of these medications into the body, perhaps decreasing their effectiveness. To avoid drug interactions with colesevelam, take it at least four hours after taking other medicines that could interact with it.
Drug Interactions With Colesevelam: An Overview
Colesevelam hydrochloride (
WelChol®) has the potential to interact with a number of other medications. Some of the medications that can cause drug interactions with colesevelam include:
- Certain vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K)
- Glyburide (DiaBeta®, Glynase®, Micronase®)
- Levothyroxine (Levoxyl®, Levothroid®, Synthroid®, Unithroid®)
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®)
- Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®).
These are just the known interactions with colesevelam. Because colesevelam has the potential to bind with and decrease the absorption of many drugs, you should talk with your healthcare provider about specific interactions that may be important in your situation. It is a good idea to take any medication that is important (such as an arrhythmia medication) at least four hours before a dose of colesevelam.
More Information on Interactions With Colesevelam Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when colesevelam is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Certain Vitamins
Colesevelam may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin D,
vitamin E, and vitamin K. You should take any such vitamins at least four hours before a dose of colesevelam.
