after years of the same problems everyone here is reporting a GI Dr just prescribed Welchol for me - I'm wondering about whether it matters what time of day to take it? I have had diarrhea every morning, from immediately after breakfast and sometimes again late AM. never later in the day. she prescribed a low dose at bedtime (probably not to interfere with morning medications, vitamins, etc), but I'm wondering if anyone has any input as to how the timing works best?
Timing of taking Welchol?
Question posted by thetomas on 17 Dec 2014
Last updated on 28 November 2017 by grives4
Answers
grives4
28 Nov 2017
It sounds like your system is producing too much bile. I have Chronic diarrhea thanks to Gallbladder surgery. It took me years to figure out the best dosage. Lots of experiments. What I found was:
- Your body produces a bulk of the bile for the day in the early morning hours, which is likely why your issues are mostly in the AM.
- If I take it at the same time every day (around 7:30 for me) and wait 1.5 hours before eating, then I have no diarrhea. I've been doing this for 3 months without issue.
- The timing catches the bile during the production cycle. The waiting gives the Welchol time to absorb the bile.
- I take two pills.
My recommendation: Start with 3 pills at 7:00 AM every morning. Wait 1.5 hours before eating. Adjust and tweak until you find what works best for your body.
Before figuring this out, I was taking 6 pills a day and it wasn't always working... So timing and waiting are very important. If I don't wait at least 1.5 hours, I will have issues.
chuck1957
21 Dec 2014
Thetomas also the tablets should be taken whole here is the dose they say but follow the directions from your doctor. If the problems continue check with them next week..
Welchol Dosage and Administration
Primary Hyperlipidemia
The recommended dose of Welchol Tablets in adults, whether used as monotherapy or in combination with a statin, is 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily. Welchol Tablets should be taken with a meal and liquid.
chuck1957
21 Dec 2014
Ps so pretty much what they are saying is to doses a day with a meal and liquid so just take it 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the evening with dinner or a snack but don't go up in dose like what i typed stick with what your doctor has said if you continue to have diarrhea with that call the doctor monday you need a life to dear
Related topics
welchol, diarrhea, prescription
Further information
- Welchol uses and safety info
- Welchol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Welchol (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.