Drug Interaction Report

Fenofibrate and Colestipol: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Fenofibrate and Colestipol interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Fenofibrate

Antara Antara® Fenoglide Fenoglide® Fibricor Lipidil® Lipofen Lipofen®
+

Colestipol

Colestid Colestid® Colestid® Flavored Granules Colestid® Granules
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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.

Of 16 documented Fenofibrate interactions, 11 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
probable
Severity
Major

What happens

Reduced absorption of fenofibrate

Interaction Deep Dive

Bile-acid sequestrants such as colestipol are known to bind with concurrently administered drugs. Therefore, concomitant use of fenofibrate with colestipol may cause a significant reduction in the absorption of fenofibrate. Fenofibrate should be administered at least one hour before or four to six hours after colestipol12.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Binding of fenofibrate by bile-acid binding resins

Common questions

Can I take Fenofibrate and Colestipol together?

Reduced absorption of fenofibrate Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Fenofibrate and Colestipol interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Fenofibrate or Colestipol 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)

  1. Product Information: TRIGLIDE(R) oral tablets, fenofibrate oral tablets. Casper Pharma LLC (per FDA), East Brunswick, NJ, 2024. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: TRILIPIX oral delayed-release capsules, fenofibric acid oral delayed-release capsules. AbbVie Inc (per FDA), North Chicago, IL, 2021. DailyMed
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Fenofibrate

Keep reading about Fenofibrate

All Fenofibrate interactions (16) Fenofibrate drug information
Also serious with: Colchicine Lovastatin Cyclosporine Injection Cyclosporine Ophthalmic
Colestipol

Keep reading about Colestipol

All Colestipol interactions (50) Colestipol drug information
Also serious with: Bezafibrate Chenodiol Deferasirox Digoxin
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Fenofibrate + Activated Charcoal Beer Siberian Cocklebur Wine Ashwagandha Black Cohosh Boldo Buchu + 51 more
Colestipol + Activated Charcoal Coffee Charcoal European Mandrake Glucomannan Guar Gum Gum Arabic Niacin Slippery Elm + 10 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.