Niacin - Colestid (Colestipol) Interaction
Herbal: Niacin
Also Known As: 3-Pyridinecarboxylic Acid, Vitamin B3
Drug: Colestipol
Brand names:
Colestid
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Colestipol is classified as belonging to the following category: Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30%.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Product information: Niaspan. Kos Pharmaceuticals. Cranbury, NJ. 2005. Available at www.niaspan.com/professional/content/pdfs/productinfo.pdf. (Accessed 3 March 2006).
Niacin Overview
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, and fortified grains.
It plays a variety of roles in the body, including in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also necessary for the production of energy in the body and in the synthesis of different hormones.
Niacin deficiency is rare in developed countries, however, supplementation has been shown to have several positive benefits. For example, it can reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy (i.e., nerve pain) and has been shown effective for treating some types of high cholesterol (extended-release niacin is used as a prescription drug in the United States for this purpose).
There is a multitude of niacin forms available as dietary supplements, including NADH, niacinamide, and nicotinamide riboside, all with different properties.
Colestipol Overview
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Colestipol is used along with diet changes to decrease the amount of fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') in certain people with high cholesterol. Colestipol is in a class of medications called bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding bile acids in your intestines to form a product that is removed from the body.
Niacin - More Interactions
Niacin interacts with 698 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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