Colesevelam and Bezafibrate: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Colesevelam
Bezafibrate
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Decreased bezafibrate efficacy
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of bezafibrate and an ion exchange resin may impair the absorption of bezafibrate1. Concomitant use of bezafibrate with cholestyramine has been reported to result in a significant reduction in the absorption of bezafibrate by 50% 2. If coadministered, separate administration by at least 2 hours 1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Impaired absorption of bezafibrate
Common questions
Can I take Colesevelam and Bezafibrate together?
Decreased bezafibrate efficacy Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Colesevelam and Bezafibrate interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Colesevelam or Bezafibrate need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
- Product Information: Bezalip Mono oral modified-release tablets, bezafibrate oral modified-release tablets. Actavis Group PTC ehf (per eMC+), Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, 2015. DailyMed
- Monk JP & Todd PA: Bezafibrate: a review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in hyperlipidaemia. Drugs 1987; 33:539-576.
Keep reading about Colesevelam
Keep reading about Bezafibrate
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Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
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