Colesevelam interactions. Colesevelam: Mechanism, Indications, and Interactions – A Comprehensive Guide
What are the main indications for colesevelam. How does colesevelam work to lower cholesterol levels. What are the potential side effects of colesevelam. How should colesevelam be administered for optimal efficacy. What drug interactions are associated with colesevelam. How can healthcare providers optimize colesevelam therapy. What role does colesevelam play in diabetes management.
Understanding Colesevelam: A Novel Antihyperlipidemic Agent
Colesevelam is an FDA-approved antihyperlipidemic medication that has gained significant attention in the management of various metabolic disorders. This bile acid sequestrant offers a unique approach to lowering cholesterol levels and improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. As healthcare providers continue to seek effective strategies for managing hyperlipidemia and diabetes, understanding the nuances of colesevelam becomes increasingly important.
Indications and Therapeutic Applications of Colesevelam
Colesevelam has been approved for use in several clinical scenarios, demonstrating its versatility in addressing metabolic disorders. The primary indications for colesevelam include:
- Lowering elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with primary hyperlipidemia
- Reducing LDL-C levels in adolescents (10-17 years) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
- Improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
In addition to these approved uses, colesevelam has shown promise in improving stool consistency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, although this is not an FDA-approved indication.
How is colesevelam used in combination therapy?
Colesevelam can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-lowering agents. It is often prescribed alongside:
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
- Ezetimibe
- Niacin
This flexibility allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment regimens to individual patient needs, potentially achieving greater lipid-lowering effects through synergistic mechanisms.
The Mechanism of Action: How Colesevelam Works
Understanding the mechanism of action of colesevelam is crucial for appreciating its therapeutic effects and potential limitations. The drug primarily functions by forming nonabsorbable complexes with bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract.
How does colesevelam lower cholesterol levels?
The process by which colesevelam reduces cholesterol levels involves several steps:
- Binding to bile acids in the GI tract, forming nonabsorbable complexes
- Preventing reabsorption of bile acids, disrupting the enterohepatic circulation
- Upregulating the 7-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme, which converts intracellular cholesterol to bile acids
- Increasing hepatic LDL receptor expression to meet the demand for cholesterol in bile acid synthesis
- Resulting in a net decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels
This unique mechanism allows colesevelam to effectively lower cholesterol levels without systemic absorption, potentially reducing the risk of certain side effects associated with other lipid-lowering medications.
What is the role of colesevelam in glucose regulation?
While the exact mechanism by which colesevelam reduces plasma glucose levels is not fully elucidated, research suggests that it may involve:
- Increasing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other incretin hormones
- Activating TGR5 receptors secondary to bile acid binding in the GI tract
- Suppressing hepatic glycogenolysis, which is often elevated in type 2 diabetes
These effects contribute to improved glycemic control, making colesevelam a valuable option for patients with both hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes.
Administration and Dosage Forms of Colesevelam
Colesevelam is available in multiple formulations to accommodate patient preferences and enhance adherence. The drug can be administered as:
- Oral tablets
- Prepared suspension
- Chewable bars (recently approved)
How should colesevelam be taken for optimal efficacy?
To ensure maximum therapeutic benefit, consider the following administration guidelines:
- Dosing frequency: Once or twice daily, as prescribed
- Timing with other medications: Take fat-soluble vitamins, folic acid, and statins at least 4 hours after colesevelam to avoid interference with absorption
- Fluid intake: Adequate hydration is essential when taking colesevelam
Healthcare providers should counsel patients on the importance of adhering to these guidelines to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize potential interactions.
Potential Adverse Effects and Safety Considerations
While colesevelam is generally well-tolerated, patients and healthcare providers should be aware of potential adverse effects. Common side effects may include:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (constipation, dyspepsia, nausea)
- Headache
- Fatigue
Are there any long-term safety concerns with colesevelam use?
Long-term safety data for colesevelam is generally favorable. However, healthcare providers should monitor patients for:
- Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamins A, D, E, and K)
- Potential interference with the absorption of certain medications
- Rare cases of bowel obstruction in susceptible individuals
Regular follow-up and appropriate monitoring can help identify and address any potential issues early in the treatment course.
Drug Interactions and Precautions with Colesevelam
Understanding the potential drug interactions associated with colesevelam is crucial for safe and effective therapy. Healthcare providers should be aware of the following interactions:
- Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- Potential interference with the absorption of certain medications, including:
- Warfarin
- Thyroid hormones
- Oral contraceptives
- Certain antibiotics
- Possible interaction with metformin, requiring careful monitoring in diabetic patients
How can healthcare providers mitigate drug interaction risks?
To minimize the risk of clinically significant drug interactions, consider the following strategies:
- Advise patients to take interacting medications at least 4 hours before or after colesevelam
- Monitor patients closely when initiating or adjusting doses of potentially interacting medications
- Consider alternative dosing schedules or medication choices in patients at high risk for interactions
By implementing these precautions, healthcare providers can help ensure the safe and effective use of colesevelam in clinical practice.
Optimizing Colesevelam Therapy: Strategies for Healthcare Providers
To maximize the benefits of colesevelam therapy while minimizing potential risks, healthcare providers should consider the following strategies:
- Conduct a thorough medication review before initiating colesevelam to identify potential interactions
- Educate patients on proper administration techniques and the importance of adherence
- Monitor lipid profiles and glycemic control regularly to assess treatment efficacy
- Screen for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, particularly in long-term users
- Collaborate with other healthcare team members, including pharmacists and dietitians, to provide comprehensive care
How can interprofessional collaboration improve outcomes with colesevelam therapy?
Effective interprofessional collaboration can enhance patient care and outcomes when using colesevelam. Consider the following approaches:
- Regular team meetings to discuss patient progress and potential concerns
- Utilizing pharmacist expertise for medication reconciliation and interaction checks
- Involving dietitians to provide comprehensive nutritional counseling
- Implementing shared decision-making processes to tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs and preferences
By fostering a collaborative approach, healthcare providers can optimize colesevelam therapy and improve overall patient care.
The Role of Colesevelam in Diabetes Management
Colesevelam’s unique ability to improve glycemic control in addition to its lipid-lowering effects makes it a valuable option for patients with type 2 diabetes. Understanding its role in diabetes management can help healthcare providers make informed treatment decisions.
How does colesevelam complement other diabetes therapies?
Colesevelam can be used in conjunction with other diabetes medications to achieve optimal glycemic control. Consider the following points:
- Additive effects when combined with metformin or sulfonylureas
- Potential for reducing insulin requirements in some patients
- Synergistic effects on cardiovascular risk reduction when used with statins
When incorporating colesevelam into a diabetes management plan, healthcare providers should carefully monitor glycemic control and adjust other medications as needed to avoid hypoglycemia.
What patient populations may benefit most from colesevelam in diabetes management?
Colesevelam may be particularly beneficial for:
- Patients with type 2 diabetes and concomitant hyperlipidemia
- Individuals who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with first-line therapies
- Patients at high cardiovascular risk who require multiple risk factor management
By carefully selecting appropriate candidates for colesevelam therapy, healthcare providers can maximize its benefits in diabetes management while minimizing potential risks.
Colesevelam – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Parth H. Patel; Ahmet S. Can.
Author Information and Affiliations
Last Update: May 1, 2023.
Continuing Education Activity
Colesevelam is an FDA-approved antihyperlipidemic drug. When treating hyperlipidemia, colesevelam should be used in conjunction with restriction of cholesterol and fat intake and exercise and can be used as a monotherapy or combined with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor ezetimibe, or niacin. It is approved for the treatment of hyperlipidemia from heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adults and as well as in adolescents (10 to 17 years of age) patients. Colesevelam is also indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus along with diet and exercise.
Objectives:
Identify the mechanism of action of colesevelam.
Describe the potential adverse effects of colesevelam.
Review the potential clinically significant drug-drug interactions of colesevelam.
Outline some interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication when using colesevelam and improve outcomes.
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Indications
Colesevelam is a bile acid sequestrant that is an FDA-approved drug to be used in adjunct with diet and exercise for a variety of indications. The main indication is to lower an elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with primary hyperlipidemia and other diseases that cause hyperlipidemia. It can be used as a monotherapy or with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), ezetimibe, or niacin, or a three- or four-drug combination. Another approved use is to reduce LDL-C levels in boys and postmenarchal girls ages 10-17 who have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. For this situation, colesevelam can be used as a monotherapy or with a statin only after a proper trial of diet and exercise has failed. Finally, the last FDA-approved indication is to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic adults.
While not an FDA-approved use, colesevelam has been shown to improve stool consistency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, causing an overall improvement in bowel function.[1] Overall effects were consistent with increased hepatic bile synthesis and luminal bile acid sequestration by colesevelam.[1]
Mechanism of Action
Colesevelam is a novel drug created to help patients lower their LDL cholesterol levels. Its primary mechanism of action is to create nonabsorbable complexes when exposed to bile acids in the GI tract. It forms these complexes due to its numerous hydrophobic side chains, which enhance the binding of bile acids.[2] Once it forms the complexes, the bile acids are no longer able to be reabsorbed to participate in the enterohepatic bile acid recirculation system. This activity causes a reduction in the total amount of bile acids in the body, causing an upregulation of the 7-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme responsible for converting intracellular cholesterol into bile acids. With the need for bile acids increased, hepatic LDL receptors become upregulated to provide enough cholesterol for bile acid synthesis. As more and more cholesterol diverts into creating bile acids, there is an overall decrease in the plasma LDL cholesterol level, along with a decrease in total cholesterol levels.[3]
The main mechanism through which colesevelam reduces plasma glucose levels is not entirely understood. In animal studies, researchers have observed colesevelam increasing the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1, and other incretins. Mice models show that this occurs through the activation of TGR5 secondary to the binding of bile acids in the GI tract. Once GLP1 and other incretins are activated, overall hepatic glycogenolysis becomes suppressed. This suppression occurs because patients with type 2 diabetes have increased hepatic glucose production, contributing to elevated fasting serum glucose levels. By decreasing hepatic glycogenolysis, one can expect a reduction in serum glucose levels. [2][4]
Administration
Colesevelam comes in three major forms that are available to patients. Healthcare providers have the option of choosing an oral tablet formulation, a prepared suspension, as well as a recently approved chewable bar form. The recommendation is to take either once or twice daily to achieve therapeutic effects. Also, patients with susceptibility to fat-soluble vitamin and folic acid deficiencies should take the vitamins at least 4 hours after taking colesevelam to allow for proper absorption of the vitamins. This principle also applies to statins. Statins need to be taken at least 4 hours after taking colesevelam. Patients should be counseled on proper fluid intake once started on colesevelam.
Colesevelam comes in the following formulations:
Adverse Effects
Colesevelam is part of the drug class known as bile acid sequestrants. While overall, very effective and safe to use as a nonsystemic approach to lower cholesterol, tolerability and compliance issues are not uncommon. Colesevelam has the lowest rate of side effects associated with its use, but it still shares the same side effects as the rest of the drugs in its class. Due to the mechanism of action and causing increased bile acid in the gastrointestinal tract, the predominant side effects are gastrointestinal. Symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, gas, as well as nausea, abdominal pain, and weakness are common. Patients have also noted muscle pain to be a side effect of colesevelam.[5] Another notable side effect associated with the use of colesevelam is a significant increase in triglycerides.[6] Also, steatorrhea is a common side effect of these drugs as well. Due to this, patients should receive counsel that they should take this drug at least four hours before ingesting vitamin supplements and statins.[7]
Colesevelam may decrease the bioavailability of many drugs, including but not limited to: amiodarone, oral corticosteroids, cyclosporine (systemic), estrogen derivatives, progesterone, oral contraceptives, ezetimibe, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, leflunomide, lomitapide, loop diuretics like furosemide, thiazides, methotrexate, mycophenolate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, olmesartan, phenytoin, pravastatin, niacin, propranolol, raloxifene, tetracyclines, levothyroxine, ursodiol, oral vancomycin, warfarin and fat-soluble multivitamins A, E, D, K. If these drugs are on the treatment regimen of the patient, monitor therapy or consider therapy modification. These drugs require administration either one to two hours before or four hours after colesevelam administration (see product information of the medications mentioned above).
Contraindications
While a generally well-tolerated drug with relatively mild side effects, colesevelam still has a few side effects that healthcare providers should be aware of before prescribing a patient the medication. Clinicians should not give colesevelam to patients with a history of bowel obstruction. Additionally, patients with a history of serum triglyceride concentrations greater than 500mg/dL or a history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis should not be given this drug due to its ability to increase triglyceride levels.[5][8]
Monitoring
Colesevelam has relatively few monitoring needs. While the drug’s desired effect is easily attainable without monitoring, the real monitoring that is necessary is with concomitantly administered drugs. Colesevelam primarily has been shown to decrease levels of fat-soluble vitamins as the drug tends to cause steatorrhea and the malabsorption of these vitamins. Patients with known deficiencies of these vitamins should understand to take their supplements either an hour before or about four hours after the administration of colesevelam.[5]
In addition to fat-soluble vitamins, studies have shown that patients with hypothyroidism that get started on colesevelam show an increase in TSH levels. This increase indicates that colesevelam causes a decreased absorption of levothyroxine. To counter this, healthcare providers should monitor the patient’s TSH levels while on this drug and advise patients to take their levothyroxine four hours after taking colesevelam.[9] Lastly, patients with triglycerides above 300 mg/dL should be given this drug with caution. Due to colesevelam’s side effect of increasing triglyceride levels, patients with already elevated levels above 300 mg/dL are at risk for increased adverse events like triglyceride-induced pancreatitis and other adverse effects associated with high triglyceride levels. [10]
Toxicity
Overall, colesevelam is a very safe drug to use with a long history of clinical use and study. The medication does not cause toxicity outside of the adverse effects mentioned above. Healthcare providers should be on the lookout for adverse effects patients may experience and work with the clinical care team as well as the patient to see if the medication needs to be adjusted or changed to help alleviate the adverse effects. Healthcare providers should also consider using an alternative formulation of the drug if there are side effects, especially gastrointestinal side effects.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
Colesevelam is a very safe drug in the class of bile acid sequestrants used for the treatment of various illnesses. While very safe to use, adverse events are possible. As such, all interprofessional healthcare team members should be on the lookout for the adverse effects. Also, the team members should be knowledgeable on the drug and its properties to help advise the patient on the proper information they should know when taking the medication. Clinicians can utilize pharmacist expertise if there is a question on whether the patient can take the drug safely or not and verify if any contraindications or drug-to-drug interactions might exist. Nursing can provide essential information to patients as well as education on common side effects. Also, nursing can monitor the common adverse effects and serious side effects that patients may experience and may require medical attention. Every member of the interprofessional healthcare team has a responsibility to provide the best care to their patients and should be aware of therapies they might be on to help achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. [Level 5]
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References
- 1.
Camilleri M, Acosta A, Busciglio I, Boldingh A, Dyer RB, Zinsmeister AR, Lueke A, Gray A, Donato LJ. Effect of colesevelam on faecal bile acids and bowel functions in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Mar;41(5):438-48. [PMC free article: PMC4493894] [PubMed: 25594801]
- 2.
Nwose OM, Jones MR. Atypical mechanism of glucose modulation by colesevelam in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes. 2013 Dec 08;6:75-9. [PMC free article: PMC3864737] [PubMed: 24348081]
- 3.
Sonnett T, Robinson J, Milani P, Campbell RK. Role of colesevelam in managing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adolescents and children. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2010;1:53-60. [PMC free article: PMC3915789] [PubMed: 24600261]
- 4.
Brunetti L, DeSantis EH. Patient tolerance and acceptance of colesevelam hydrochloride: focus on type-2 diabetes mellitus. P T. 2015 Jan;40(1):62-7. [PMC free article: PMC4296594] [PubMed: 25628509]
- 5.
Zema MJ. Colesevelam hydrochloride: evidence for its use in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus with insights into mechanism of action.
Core Evid. 2012;7:61-75. [PMC free article: PMC3426253] [PubMed: 22936894]
- 6.
Aggarwal S, Loomba RS, Arora RR. Efficacy of colesevelam on lowering glycemia and lipids. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2012 Feb;59(2):198-205. [PubMed: 21983746]
- 7.
Bays H, Jones PH. Colesevelam hydrochloride: reducing atherosclerotic coronary heart disease risk factors. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2007;3(5):733-42. [PMC free article: PMC2291317] [PubMed: 18078024]
- 8.
Sekhri K, Saha L. Colesevelam hydrochloride: A novel agent in patients with type 2 diabetes. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2011 Jul;1(2):113-5. [PMC free article: PMC3657969] [PubMed: 23776789]
- 9.
Weitzman SP, Ginsburg KC, Carlson HE. Colesevelam hydrochloride and lanthanum carbonate interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Thyroid. 2009 Jan;19(1):77-9. [PMC free article: PMC2858370] [PubMed: 19119983]
- 10.
Kaufman MB. Drug-induced pancreatitis: A Potentially Serious and Underreported Problem.
P T. 2013 Jun;38(6):349-51. [PMC free article: PMC3737994] [PubMed: 23946630]
Disclosure: Parth Patel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Disclosure: Ahmet Can declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Colesevelam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Uses
This medication is used along with a proper diet and exercise to lower cholesterol in people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.Colesevelam is also used along with a proper diet and exercise to lower high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Colesevelam belongs to a class of drugs called bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid is a natural substance the liver makes by using cholesterol. This medication works by removing bile acid from the body. This causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. It is not known how colesevelam works in lowering blood sugar.
How to use Colesevelam HCL
Take this medication by mouth with a meal as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Take the tablet form with a liquid (such as water, milk). If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, talk to your doctor about switching to the powder form of this medication.
If you are using the powder form of this medication, pour the contents of one packet into a glass. Add one cup (8 ounces/240 milliliters) of water, fruit juice, or diet soda. Stir the mixture well and drink all of it. Do not take the powder without mixing it in liquid.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Colesevelam may decrease the absorption of other products you may be taking. Some examples include cyclosporine, glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as well as birth control pills that contain ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Take other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 4 hours before taking your colesevelam dose. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your medications.
Side Effects
Constipation and upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, unusual bleeding/bruising.
This medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications, or if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy exercise.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don’t have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis (caused by high triglyceride levels), high triglyceride levels, trouble swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as constipation, blockage, gastroparesis), recent major intestinal surgery, hemorrhoids.
Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, K) when used for a long period of time, your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Take the multivitamin at least 4 hours before taking your colesevelam dose.
The powder form of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk or harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: raloxifene, warfarin.
Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are unaffected by these drugs.
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Does Colesevelam HCL interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol levels, blood sugar) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.
Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about how to manage your diabetes with medications, diet, exercise, and regular medical exams.
Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with a meal. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Images
colesevelam 625 mg tablet
Color: off-whiteShape: ovalImprint: L61
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 625 mg tablet
Color: off-whiteShape: ovalImprint: C625
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 3.75 gram oral powder packet
Color: off-whiteShape: Imprint:
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 625 mg tablet
Color: off-whiteShape: oblongImprint: G 433
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 625 mg tablet
Color: whiteShape: ovalImprint: COL
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 625 mg tablet
Color: creamShape: oblongImprint: 619
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 625 mg tablet
Color: off-whiteShape: oblongImprint: SANKYO C01
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 3.75 gram oral powder packet
Color: whiteShape: Imprint:
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
colesevelam 3.75 gram oral powder packet
Color: whiteShape: Imprint:
This medicine is a off-white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “L61”.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Colesevelam Hydrochloride in English – Benefits of
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Colesevelam Hydrochloride / Colesevelam Hydrochloride – Methods and Benefits of Use
Colesevelam Hydrochloride / Colesevelam Hydrochloride is used for the treatment, control, prevention, & improvement of the following diseases, conditions and symptoms:
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Uses
This drug is most commonly used for high cholesterol levels.
Use | users | Percentile |
---|---|---|
Elevated cholesterol levels | 1 |
9 0003 Survey participants: 1
Effective
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Colesevelam Hydrochloride / Colesevelam Hydrochloride Mode of action, mechanisms and pharmacology
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