Overview
It binds bile acids, which makes the liver use cholesterol. It's also used off-label for diarrhea from bile acids.
What it's used for
- High LDL cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes (add-on)
- Off-label: bile acid diarrhea
How to take it
- Take it with a meal and plenty of liquid.
- Take other medicines at least 4 hours before it.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Nausea
Warnings
- Not for people with very high triglycerides or bowel blockage.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- It can block absorption of levothyroxine, birth control pills, glyburide, phenytoin, and some vitamins; separate by at least 4 hours.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Colesevelam (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.