Colesevelam Hydrochloride

Generic Name: colesevelam hydrochloride

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Colesevelam Hydrochloride

Non-absorbed, polymeric, lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering agent containing colesevelam hydrochloride as active ingredient with inactive components including magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide.

Overview

Non-absorbed, polymeric, lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering agent containing colesevelam hydrochloride as active ingredient with inactive components including magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide.

Uses

Indicated as adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, reduce LDL-C in pediatric patients (10-17 years) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Dosage

3.75 grams daily taken as 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily with meals and liquid. Obtain lipid parameters before starting therapy.

Side Effects

Most common include constipation, dyspepsia, and nausea with incidences of 11%, 8.3%, and 4.2% respectively in primary hyperlipidemia studies.

Interactions

Multiple drugs require administration 4 hours prior including cyclosporine, phenytoin, thyroid hormones, warfarin, oral contraceptives, olmesartan, and sulfonylureas.

Warnings

Hypertriglyceridemia risk, gastrointestinal obstruction potential, vitamin K and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency risk. Contraindicated with serum triglyceride concentrations exceeding 500 mg/dL, history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, or history of bowel obstruction.

Pregnancy

Not absorbed systemically; maternal use not expected to result in fetal exposure. Animal studies showed no teratogenic effects at exposures up to 8 times human dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colesevelam Hydrochloride used for?

Indicated as adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, reduce LDL-C in pediatric patients (10-17 years) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

What are the side effects of Colesevelam Hydrochloride?

Most common include constipation, dyspepsia, and nausea with incidences of 11%, 8.3%, and 4.2% respectively in primary hyperlipidemia studies.

Can I take Colesevelam Hydrochloride during pregnancy?

Not absorbed systemically; maternal use not expected to result in fetal exposure. Animal studies showed no teratogenic effects at exposures up to 8 times human dose.

What are the important warnings for Colesevelam Hydrochloride?

Hypertriglyceridemia risk, gastrointestinal obstruction potential, vitamin K and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency risk. Contraindicated with serum triglyceride concentrations exceeding 500 mg/dL, history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, or history of bowel obstruction.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.