Drug Interaction Report

Cholestyramine may interfere with the absorption of red yeast rice when they are taken at the same time or within a short time of each other. This may reduce the blood levels and effects of red yeast rice. To prevent or minimize the risk of interaction, red yeast rice should be taken at least 4 hours after cholestyramine. 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.

Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of red yeast rice. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with red yeast rice. Drinking green tea or taking green tea extracts may also increase the blood levels of red yeast rice in some patients. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It may be advisable to avoid excessive consumption of green tea and green tea products while on red yeast rice. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. 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.

Cholestyramine may interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins such as A, D, E and K. Therefore, it is recommended that you take multivitamin with minerals at least 1 hour 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.