Drug Interaction Report

Troglitazone and Cholestyramine Resin: Interaction Details

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

Cholestyramine Resin

Locholest® Locholest® Light Prevalite Prevalite® Questran Questran® Questran® Light
+

Troglitazone

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with 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 11 documented Troglitazone interactions, 5 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Reduced absorption of troglitazone

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant administration of troglitazone and cholestyramine reduces the absorption of troglitazone by approximately 70%. Coadministration of these two agents is not recommended1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Binding of troglitazone by the bile acid resin

Common questions

Can I take Troglitazone and Cholestyramine Resin together?

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

How serious is the Troglitazone and Cholestyramine Resin interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with 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 "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Troglitazone or Cholestyramine Resin 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 anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (1)

  1. Product Information: Rezulin(R), troglitazone. Parke-Davis, Morris Plains, NJ, 1999.
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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:

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.