Dosage Information for Welchol: Detailing Forms, Strengths, Usage, and Additional Tips
Welchol, a bile acid sequestrant, is a prescription medication commonly used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. This medication is also used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The recommended dosage for Welchol in adult patients with high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes is typically 3.75 grams daily. This dosage can be taken as six 625-mg tablets once per day or three 625-mg tablets twice per day. For the suspension form of Welchol, one 3.75-g packet of powder is mixed with 8 oz of liquid and taken once per day.
Welchol is also used to decrease LDL cholesterol in certain children ages 10 to 17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The dosage for children is the same as for adults, with the medication administered in the same way.
It's important to note that Welchol is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you miss a dose, it's crucial to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do.
Before starting Welchol, it's essential to tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take, including fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Some medications may interact with Welchol, such as the seizure drug phenytoin (Dilantin) and the transplant drug cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf).
Welchol has been studied off-label to treat certain types of diarrhea, such as diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome and bile acid malabsorption. In clinical trials, the dosage for treating diarrhea with Welchol was 1.875 grams taken twice per day for 12 to 14 days.
Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. If you take more than the recommended amount of Welchol, call your doctor right away or use the American Association of Poison Control Centers' online tool or hotline.
Welchol is available in a generic form called colesevelam hydrochloride. For more detailed information about Welchol, consult your healthcare provider or refer to related articles on Medical News Today.
- Science has shown that Welchol, a prescription medication, can lower LDL cholesterol levels in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, as well as manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- For medical-conditions like hypertension, chronic diseases, and type-2 diabetes, therapies and treatments often include Welchol, a bile acid sequestrant.
- If you're under Medicare and dealing with conditions such as hypertension or type-2 diabetes, you might find Welchol, a medication for health and wellness, helpful in managing your LDL cholesterol levels.
- In some cases, Welchol, a drug, can be used to treat certain types of diarrhea, like those caused by irritable bowel syndrome and bile acid malabsorption.
- A crucial aspect of managing chronic diseases, such as hypertension and type-2 diabetes, is following a fitness-and-exercise routine, along with maintaining proper nutrition and taking prescribed medications like Welchol.
- Before starting Welchol, it's vital to discuss with your doctor any concurrent medical-conditions, medications like CBD, vitamins, herbs, and supplements, including fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K, as they may interact with Welchol.
