Colesevelam Hydrochloride
Colesevelam Hydrochloride is a bile acid sequestrant medication used to treat high cholesterol and improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, causing the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels. It is typically prescribed when diet and exercise alone are insufficient to manage these conditions.
Colesevelam Hydrochloride is a cholesterol-lowering medication that also helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by binding bile acids in the gut.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 141625
- Generic
- Colesevelam Hydrochloride
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- Welchol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used to treat hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL cholesterol) in adults and pediatric patients, and to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It may be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications or diabetes drugs.
As a bile acid sequestrant, colesevelam binds to bile acids in the intestinal lumen, forming a complex that is excreted in feces. This interrupts the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, forcing the liver to convert more cholesterol into bile acids, which results in reduced serum LDL cholesterol levels.
Can interfere with absorption of other medications; take other drugs at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after colesevelam. May cause constipation or gastrointestinal discomfort. May increase triglycerides in some patients. Not recommended for patients with bowel obstruction or with triglycerides >500 mg/dL. Always follow prescribing physician's instructions regarding diet and lifestyle modifications.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy