Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Take this medicine with a meal and liquid. Do not swallow the dry powder to prevent esophagus problems.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the tablet, use the oral liquid form of this medicine.

To use the oral liquid, mix the contents of the packet in 1 cup (8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drink. Stir well and drink it right away.

If you use this medicine for diabetes, carefully follow the special diet your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your diabetes and will help the medicine work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

If you use this medicine to lower blood cholesterol, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor's order about any special diet and exercise regularly.

This medicine can be taken at the same time with a lipid-lowering medicine called a "statin" or the two medicines can be dosed apart. If you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking cyclosporine, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, levothyroxine, olmesartan, phenytoin, birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, or vitamins, take them at least 4 hours before using colesevelam.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (powder for suspension):
    • For high cholesterol:
      • Adults, boys, and girls who have had their first menstrual period 10 to 17 years of age—One 3.75 gram-packet once a day.
      • Children younger than 10 years of age or girls who have not had their first menstrual period—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For type 2 diabetes:
      • Adults—One 3.75 gram-packet once a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For high cholesterol:
      • Adults—6 tablets each day. This may be taken as a single dose or 3 tablets 2 times a day. Each tablet contains 625 milligrams (mg) of colesevelam.
      • Children—The oral suspension is recommended in this age group.
    • For type 2 diabetes:
      • Adults—6 tablets each day. This may be taken as one dose or 3 tablets 2 times a day. Each tablet contains 625 milligrams (mg) of colesevelam.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.