Bile acid malabsorption

Treatment of bile acid malabsorption

Colestyramine can also be used for pruritus associated with biliary obstruction and cirrhosis.

Colestyramine
Colestyramine 4g oral powder sachets sugar free

For patients experiencing diarrhoea caused by bile acid malabsorption who are unable to tolerate colestyramine due to adverse drug reactions or formulation issues.

Colesevelam
Colesevelam 625mg tablets

Prescribing Notes:

  • Colestyramine and colesevelam should be recommended by consultant gastroenterologists only.
  • Colestyramine and colesevelam may affect absorption of other drugs, so other drugs should be taken at different times of day – at least one hour before or 4-6 hours after.

History Notes

15/04/2026

Regional formulary chapter launched.