Health Information

Cholestyramine

Drug Information

Cholestyramine is bile acid sequestrant—a class of drugs that binds bile acids, prevents their reabsorption from the digestive system, and reduces cholesterol levels. Cholestyramine is one of many drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in people with Reference high cholesterol.

Bile acids are produced in the liver from cholesterol and secreted into the small intestine to help with the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol. Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in the small intestine and carry them out of the body. This causes the body to use more cholesterol to make more bile acids, which are secreted into the small intestine, bound to bile acid sequestrants, and carried out of the body. The end result is lower cholesterol levels. Bile acid sequestrants also prevent absorption of some dietary cholesterol.

Common brand names:

Questran

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Reference What Are Nutrient Interactions

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

Reference Folic Acid

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.¹ ^{, 2} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.³ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.⁴
Reference Vitamin A

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.⁵ ^{, 6} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.⁷ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.⁸
Reference Vitamin D

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.⁹ ^{, 10} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.¹¹ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.¹²
Reference Vitamin E

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.¹³ ^{, 14} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.¹⁵ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.¹⁶
Reference Vitamin K

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.¹⁷ ^{, 18} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.¹⁹ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.²⁰
Reference Beta-Carotene

Use of colestipol for six months has been shown to significantly lower blood levels of carotenoids including Reference beta-carotene.²¹

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Reference Calcium

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.²² ^{, 23} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.²⁴ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.²⁵

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Reference Zinc

Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of Reference folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins Reference A, Reference D, Reference E, and Reference K.²⁶ ^{, 27} Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.²⁸ Animal studies suggest Reference calcium and Reference zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine.²⁹

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Reduce Side Effects

none

Support Medicine

none

Reduces Effectiveness

none

Potential Negative Interaction

none

Explanation Required

none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

4. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

5. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

7. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

8. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

9. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

10. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

11. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

12. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

13. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

14. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

15. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

16. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

17. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

18. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

19. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

20. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

21. Probstfield JL, Lin T, Peters J, Hunninghake DB. Carotenoids and vitamin A: The effect of hypocholesterolemic agents on serum levels. Metabolism 1985;34:88–91.

22. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

23. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

24. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

25. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

26. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221–2 [review].

27. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

28. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 171i–l.

29. Watkins DW, Cassidy MM, Khalafi R, Vahouny GV. Calcium and zinc balances in rats chronically fed the bile salt-sequestrant cholestyramine (Questran). Fed Proc 1983;42:819.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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