Can you take Acetohexamide with Cholestyramine?
1 drug interaction and 30 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- acetohexamide
- cholestyramine
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
acetoHEXAMIDE cholestyramine
Applies to: acetohexamide and cholestyramine
Using acetoHEXAMIDE together with cholestyramine can alter the effects of acetoHEXAMIDE, which can lead to loss of blood sugar control.
Talk with your doctor before using acetoHEXAMIDE while you are using cholestyramine. AcetoHEXAMIDE should be administered at least one hour before or four to six hours after cholestyramine. You may need a dose adjustment and you may need to check your blood sugar more often.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
acetoHEXAMIDE Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: acetohexamide
Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink.
You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have:
- high triglycerides
- neuropathy (nerve damage)
- pancreatitis
Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels if your diabetes is under control. However, it may be best to limit alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with your normal meal plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Moderate:
cholestyramine multivitamins with minerals
Applies to: cholestyramine
Cholestyramine may interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
Therefore, it is recommended that you take multivitamins with minerals at least 1 to 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine to minimize the risk of interaction.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take these or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
28 potential interactions Applies to: 26 conditions, including Vitamin D Deficiency, Constipation, Anemia, Hemorrhoids, and Hypoglycemia.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.
The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Anemia
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Anemia.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
Anorexia/Feeding Problems
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Anorexia/Feeding Problems.
The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Autonomic Neuropathy.
The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Biliary Obstruction
Major:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a major potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.
The use of bile acid sequestrants is contraindicated in patients with complete biliary obstruction where bile is not secreted into the intestine. These agents adsorb and combine with bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex that is excreted in the feces, resulting in partial removal of bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation. Bile acid sequestrants are ineffective if bile does not reach the intestine.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
The use of oral hypoglycemic agents may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to treatment with diet alone or diet with insulin. This warning is based on the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP) study, a long-term prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients treated with diet plus a fixed dosage of either tolbutamide (a sulfonylurea) or phenformin (a biguanide) for 5 to 8 years had a cardiovascular mortality rate approximately 2.5 times that of patients treated with diet alone, resulting in discontinuation of both these treatments in the study. Despite controversy regarding interpretation of these results, clinicians and patients should be aware of the potential risk when making treatment decisions for diabetes, particularly in the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease. Data are not available for other sulfonylureas or biguanides, nor for hypoglycemic agents belonging to other classes. However, given the similarities in chemical structure and/or mode of action, the same caution should be applied.
Coagulation Defects and Disorders
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Coagulation Defects and Disorders.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
Constipation
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Constipation.
The use of bile acid sequestrants may produce or worsen preexisting constipation. Constipation associated with these agents may aggravate hemorrhoids. Therapy with bile acid sequestrants should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting constipation, hemorrhoids, or symptomatic coronary artery disease. The dosage should be increased very gradually according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize the risk of fecal impaction, and patients should be encouraged to increase fluid and fiber intake. Occasional use of a stool softener may also be indicated. If constipation worsens or develops during therapy, or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at the maximum recommended daily dosage, combination therapy or an alternative agent should be considered.
Dehydration
Moderate:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.
Treatment with sulfonylureas may cause hyponatremia, in patients who are on other medications or have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion has been reported with certain sulfonylureas and these drugs may augment the peripheral (antidiuretic) action of ADH and/or increase release of ADH. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of developing hyponatremia such as elderly patients, patients taking diuretics or those who are volume-depleted.
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.
Bile acid sequestrants are chloride forms of anion exchange resins and may produce hyperchloremic acidosis with chronic use. Therapy with bile acid sequestrants should be administered cautiously in patients who may be particularly susceptible, including children or smaller patients and patients with renal impairment or volume depletion.
Folic Acid/Cyanocobalamin Deficiency
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Folic Acid/Cyanocobalamin Deficiency.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
G-6-PD Deficiency
Moderate:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a moderate potential interaction with G-6-PD Deficiency.
Sulfonylureas can cause hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Therapy with these agents should be used with caution in patients with G6PD deficiency and consider the use of a non-sulfonylurea alternative. There have been postmarketing reports of hemolytic anemia in patients receiving these drugs who did not have known G6PD deficiency.
Hemorrhoids
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Hemorrhoids.
The use of bile acid sequestrants may produce or worsen preexisting constipation. Constipation associated with these agents may aggravate hemorrhoids. Therapy with bile acid sequestrants should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting constipation, hemorrhoids, or symptomatic coronary artery disease. The dosage should be increased very gradually according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize the risk of fecal impaction, and patients should be encouraged to increase fluid and fiber intake. Occasional use of a stool softener may also be indicated. If constipation worsens or develops during therapy, or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at the maximum recommended daily dosage, combination therapy or an alternative agent should be considered.
Hypoglycemia
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.
The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Hyponatremia
Moderate:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.
Treatment with sulfonylureas may cause hyponatremia, in patients who are on other medications or have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion has been reported with certain sulfonylureas and these drugs may augment the peripheral (antidiuretic) action of ADH and/or increase release of ADH. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of developing hyponatremia such as elderly patients, patients taking diuretics or those who are volume-depleted.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.
The use of bile acid sequestrants may produce or worsen preexisting constipation. Constipation associated with these agents may aggravate hemorrhoids. Therapy with bile acid sequestrants should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting constipation, hemorrhoids, or symptomatic coronary artery disease. The dosage should be increased very gradually according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize the risk of fecal impaction, and patients should be encouraged to increase fluid and fiber intake. Occasional use of a stool softener may also be indicated. If constipation worsens or develops during therapy, or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at the maximum recommended daily dosage, combination therapy or an alternative agent should be considered.
Liver Disease
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Sulfonylureas are metabolized in the liver, and their metabolites (some with pharmacologic activity) are excreted in the urine and feces. Patients with impaired liver and/or renal function treated with sulfonylureas may be exposed to higher serum drug concentrations, which can increase the potential for severe hypoglycemic episodes induced by these agents. In the presence of hepatic impairment, gluconeogenic capacity may also be diminished, further compounding the risk. Therapy with sulfonylureas should be administered cautiously in patients with liver and/or renal disease. Reduced dosages and longer intervals between dosage adjustments may be required. Hypoglycemia, if it occurs during treatment, may be prolonged in these patients because of slowed metabolism and/or excretion of the drugs.
Malnourishment
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Malnourishment.
The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Panhypopituitarism
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Panhypopituitarism.
The use of insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may commonly occur during treatment with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents. Care should be taken in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the development of hypoglycemic episodes during the use of these drugs, including but not limited to those who are debilitated or malnourished, those with renal or hepatic impairment, those with defective counterregulatory mechanisms (e.g., autonomic neuropathy and adrenal or pituitary insufficiency), and those with reduced awareness of hypoglycemia. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients with longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, recurrent hypoglycemia, or concomitant medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers). Changes to any glucose-lowering medications, meal pattern, or physical activity may also increase risk of hypoglycemia. Increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Phenylketonuria
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Phenylketonuria.
Questran Light and LoCholest Light (brands of cholestyramine) contain 16.8 mg and 22.4 mg of phenylalanine, respectively, per each dose. Flavored Colestid (brand of colestipol) contains 18.2 mg of phenylalanine per each 7.5-gram dose. WELCHOL (brand name of colesevelam) for Oral Suspension contains 13.5 mg phenylalanine per 1.875 gram dose and 27 mg phenylalanine per 3.75 gram dose. The phenylalanine content should be considered when these products are used in patients who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine (i.e. phenylketonurics). Regular Colestid, Questran and LoCholest do not contain phenylalanine.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Sulfonylureas are metabolized in the liver, and their metabolites (some with pharmacologic activity) are excreted in the urine and feces. Patients with impaired liver and/or renal function treated with sulfonylureas may be exposed to higher serum drug concentrations, which can increase the potential for severe hypoglycemic episodes induced by these agents. In the presence of hepatic impairment, gluconeogenic capacity may also be diminished, further compounding the risk. Therapy with sulfonylureas should be administered cautiously in patients with liver and/or renal disease. Reduced dosages and longer intervals between dosage adjustments may be required. Hypoglycemia, if it occurs during treatment, may be prolonged in these patients because of slowed metabolism and/or excretion of the drugs.
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Bile acid sequestrants are chloride forms of anion exchange resins and may produce hyperchloremic acidosis with chronic use. Therapy with bile acid sequestrants should be administered cautiously in patients who may be particularly susceptible, including children or smaller patients and patients with renal impairment or volume depletion.
SIADH
Moderate:
acetohexamide
acetoHEXAMIDE has a moderate potential interaction with SIADH.
Treatment with sulfonylureas may cause hyponatremia, in patients who are on other medications or have medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increase release of antidiuretic hormone. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion has been reported with certain sulfonylureas and these drugs may augment the peripheral (antidiuretic) action of ADH and/or increase release of ADH. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of developing hyponatremia such as elderly patients, patients taking diuretics or those who are volume-depleted.
Thrombocytopathy
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopathy.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
Thrombocytopenia
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopenia.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin A Deficiency.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin D Deficiency.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Moderate:
cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin K Deficiency.
Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K. Chronic use of bile acid sequestrants may cause increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with vitamin K deficiency. Anemia may also occur due to reduced serum or red blood cell folate. Supplementation with oral vitamins and/or folate should be considered during prolonged therapy with bile acid sequestrants, particularly in patients with preexisting vitamin and/or folate deficiencies, anemia, or a bleeding diathesis.
More resources
acetohexamide
A total of 524 drugs are known to interact with acetohexamide.
- Acetohexamide is in the drug class sulfonylureas.
- Acetohexamide is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
cholestyramine
A total of 140 drugs are known to interact with cholestyramine.
- Cholestyramine is in the drug class bile acid sequestrants.
-
Cholestyramine is used to treat the following conditions:
- Crohn's Disease (off-label)
- Dumping Syndrome (off-label)
- High Cholesterol
- Hyperlipoproteinemia
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb, Elevated LDL VLDL
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (off-label)
- Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea (off-label)
- Pruritus of Partial Biliary Obstruction
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.