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Does Hydrochlorothiazide Interact with Cholestyramine Light?

Hydrochlorothiazide and Cholestyramine Light have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired; single doses reduce absorption by up to 85%. The mechanism involves anionic exchange resin binds hydrochlorothiazide and reduces gastrointestinal tract absorption. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.

Severity
Major
Hydrochlorothiazide Class
Thiazide Diuretic
Cholestyramine Light Class
Bile Acid Sequestrant
Management
Close medical supervision required
Data Source
U.S. FDA via OpenFDA

How This Interaction Works

The interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide and Cholestyramine Light occurs because anionic exchange resin binds hydrochlorothiazide and reduces gastrointestinal tract absorption. Clinically, this means absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired; single doses reduce absorption by up to 85%. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.

What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

If you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide and your doctor is considering prescribing Cholestyramine Light (or vice versa), make sure to:

  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
  • Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
  • Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
  • Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
  • Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
  • Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider
💊 Hydrochlorothiazide+💊 Cholestyramine Light(Cholestyramine Light)

Severity & Interaction Details

⚠️
major
Use with caution — major interaction
Serious risk of clinically significant harm. Generally avoid; if used, monitor closely.
Severity scale
MinorContra
On record
Yes
Drug A class
Thiazide Diuretic
Drug B class
Bile Acid Sequestrant
Source
NLP:hydrochlorothiazide

What this means in plain English

Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired; single doses reduce absorption by up to 85%.

What the FDA label says

"Anionic exchange resin binds hydrochlorothiazide and reduces gastrointestinal tract absorption"

📖 Source: NLP:hydrochlorothiazide

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Data sourced from U.S. FDA drug labeling via openFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine. For informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist or physician.