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What is Colesevelam Hydrochloride
ColesevelamThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryColesevelam is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestine and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. To help achieve the best results, Colesevelam should be taken in conjunction with a diet that restricts cholesterol and fat intake.
Welcholis the brand name
Colesevelam Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Welchol
Colesevelam
2000
42
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Colesevelam, commonly known as Welchol, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Hyperlipidemia and High Cholesterol .Hyperlipidemia
Used to treat Hyperlipidemias in combination with null
High Cholesterol
Used to treat Hyperlipidemias in combination with null
Effectiveness
How Colesevelam Hydrochloride Affects PatientsColesevelam is a medication that helps to lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the intestine. Studies have shown that having high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, low levels of HDL cholesterol can lead to the development of atherosclerosis. Taking colesevelam in combination with another cholesterol-lowering medication can further reduce levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol beyond what either medication can do on its own.
How Colesevelam Hydrochloride works in the bodyColesevelam binds to bile acids in the intestine, preventing them from being reabsorbed. Instead, it causes the body to produce more cholesterol, which is then cleared from the bloodstream. This process lowers LDL cholesterol levels, while triglyceride levels may stay the same or even increase. The end result is a decrease in LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Colesevelam Hydrochloride is contingent upon the identified illness, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia. The dosage amount is contingent upon the technique of delivery as specified in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Physical Activity
3750.0 mg, , 625.0 mg, 1875.0 mg
, Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Bar, chewable - Oral, Bar, chewable
Type 2 Diabetes
3750.0 mg, , 625.0 mg, 1875.0 mg
, Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Bar, chewable - Oral, Bar, chewable
High Cholesterol
3750.0 mg, , 625.0 mg, 1875.0 mg
, Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Bar, chewable - Oral, Bar, chewable
Diet
3750.0 mg, , 625.0 mg, 1875.0 mg
, Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Bar, chewable - Oral, Bar, chewable
Hypercholesterolemia
3750.0 mg, , 625.0 mg, 1875.0 mg
, Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Bar, chewable - Oral, Bar, chewable
Hyperlipidemia
3750.0 mg, , 625.0 mg, 1875.0 mg
, Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Bar, chewable - Oral, Bar, chewable
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Colesevelam Hydrochloride.Common Colesevelam Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Mycophenolate mofetil
Major
Colesevelam can cause a decrease in the absorption of Mycophenolate mofetil resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Mycophenolic acid
Major
Colesevelam can cause a decrease in the absorption of Mycophenolic acid resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Raloxifene
Major
Colesevelam can cause a decrease in the absorption of Raloxifene resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
(R)-warfarin
Minor
Colesevelam can cause a decrease in the absorption of (R)-warfarin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
(S)-Warfarin
Minor
Colesevelam can cause a decrease in the absorption of (S)-Warfarin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Colesevelam Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much colesevelam may cause eye irritation, constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. It is unlikely to cause serious systemic toxicity, since it does not get absorbed into the body. Taking more than 4.5 grams per day has not been tested.
Colesevelam Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Colesevelam Hydrochloride?
184 active studies are assessing the potential of Colesevelam Hydrochloride for treating Hyperlipidemia, Type 2 Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
High Cholesterol
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Diet
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Physical Activity
39 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Hypercholesterolemia
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Type 2 Diabetes
155 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Colesevelam Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Colesevelam Hydrochloride?
4.3Patient Review
8/16/20104Patient Review
10/21/2010 So far, this has been working well for me. I've taken it orally before and had to stop because of heat-related issues; however, the replacement medications all had such terrible side effects that I asked to be put back on this one.
4Patient Review
4/8/2022 I've been on this cholesterol medication for decades, and it's helped reduce my LDL by about 25%. It works in the digestive tract to remove fats without entering the bloodstream. I use the powder form because the pills are so large, which dissolves well if you use a shaker cup. I find that adding cherry juice helps with the taste.
4Patient Review
4/28/2020 I've been using this product for a few years now and have generally been pleased. However, the recent change in manufacturers has resulted in a thinner, stickier product that I'm not as fond of. I contacted the Federal Drug Administration about it.
3.7Patient Review
2/10/2011 I've found that this medication prevents my body from absorbing levothyroxine, which is something most doctors are unaware of. I'm currently taking the levothyroxine four hours before the first dose of welchol to see how it works.
3.3Patient Review
7/28/2022 I can use Colesevelam for a few weeks before I start to experience negative side effects like depression and insomnia. Once I stop taking the medication, those problems go away too.
1Patient Review
1/13/2013 I took the first three pills and then one hour later had a severe headache (migraine), light sensitivity, and extreme abdominal bloating. I also had a severe hemmroidal flare up with constipation and rectal bleeding. Dizziness made it all worse. It took me three days to recover from these effects, and this was only after taking half of the recommended dose.
Patient Q&A Section about colesevelam hydrochloride
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is colesevelam hydrochloride used to treat?
"Colesevelam is a medication used to lower high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is often used in conjunction with diet and exercise to prevent medical problems associated with high cholesterol and blood sugar levels."
Answered by AI
What are side effects of colesevelam?
"What are the side effects of gas-x? They can include constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach or back pain, and headaches."
Answered by AI
Is colesevelam HCl a statin?
"Welchol is a drug that lowers bad cholesterol in a different way from statins. Statins work in the liver, while Welchol works in the intestines. Welchol is a "bile acid sequestrant" that is indicated to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol."
Answered by AI
Does colesevelam stop diarrhea?
"In a 2009 study, 45 people with cancer and symptoms of bile acid malabsorption were given colesevelam. After 3 months, they experienced improvements in diarrhea, frequency and urgency of defecation, steatorrhoea, abdominal pain, and faecal incontinence."
Answered by AI