| Brand Name | Welchol |
| Generic Name | Colesevelam |
| Drug Class | Nitroimidazole Antibiotic |
| Availability | Prescription |
| Manufacturer | Daiichi Sankyo |
| Indications | Hyperlipidemia, bile acid diarrhea, adjunct in Type 2 Diabetes |
| Type | Tablet |
| Doses | 3.75 g/day(tablets or suspension) |
| Route | Oral |
| Side Effects | Constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea |
| Interactions | May interfere with absorption of other drugs; administer separately |
| Overdose | Constipation, stomach pain. |
| Missed Dose | Take ASAP. Do not double. |
| Contraindications | Bowel obstruction, high triglycerides |
| Alternatives | Cholestyramine, Colestipol |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | Available Rx |
| Patient Assistance Program | Not available |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Colesevelam is used to lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Colesevelam works by binding to bile acids in the gut, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving glucose control in the blood.
Common side effects include constipation, stomach discomfort, and nausea.
Yes, Colesevelam should be taken with food and liquid to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Consult your doctor before using Colesevelam during pregnancy, as the safety of the medication during pregnancy has not been fully established.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Yes, Colesevelam may interact with medications like warfarin, levothyroxine, and certain vitamins. Consult your doctor for a full list of interactions.
Colesevelam can take several weeks to show noticeable effects in lowering cholesterol and improving blood sugar control.
Yes, Colesevelam can be used long-term under the supervision of your healthcare provider to manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Mild side effects can often be managed by adjusting the dose.
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