Colesevelam is used primarily to reduce elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. It’s sold in the U.S. as WelChol. Remember that drug names vary by country and manufacturer. This is a brief review; consult your physician or pharmacist for details.
Class: Bile acid sequestrant
How does it work? Unclear
Uses
Colesevelam is FDA-approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes in conjunction with insulin or diabetic pills.
Dosing
Three tablets twice daily with meals, or six tablets once daily with a meal.
Side effects
Constipation in one of every 10 users.
Do not use if you have . . .
. . . serum triglycerides over 500 mg/dl, or have gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, risk factors for bowel obstruction, or recent major gastrointestinal procedures.
