Colesevelam
Welchol (colesevelam) is a brand-name bile acid sequestrant medication used to treat high cholesterol and as an adjunct therapy for type 2 diabetes. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, forcing the liver to use cholesterol to produce more bile acids, thereby lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels.
Welchol is a cholesterol-lowering medication that also helps manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 284918
- Generic
- Welchol
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- 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.
Welchol is FDA-approved to reduce elevated LDL cholesterol in adults and children with primary hyperlipidemia, and to improve glycemic control in adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
As a bile acid sequestrant, Welchol binds to bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their reabsorption. This interrupts the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, causing the liver to increase conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and thereby reducing circulating LDL cholesterol levels.
Welchol is available by prescription only as tablets or oral suspension. Common side effects include constipation, indigestion, and nausea. It may reduce absorption of other medications, so timing of doses is important. Welchol is not absorbed systemically, making it generally well-tolerated, but should be used with caution in patients with bowel obstruction or severe constipation. It is typically used in combination with diet modification and may be added to statin therapy for enhanced cholesterol control.
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 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy