Colesevelam Hydrochloride

High molecular weight hydrogel similar in action to cholesteramine. It prevents the normal reabsorption of bile acids and forces the liver to produce more bile, thus reducing the body's cholesterol levels (especially LDL), since cholesterol is a major component of bile. Oral administration once or twice a day.

At the time of the last update, we did not find any published data regarding lactation.

Intestinal absorption of the drug is null ^{(EMA 2017, Heller 2002, Steinmetz 2002)}, so it cannot pass into breast milk, nor would it pass into infant plasma from ingested breast milk.

Its high molecular weight makes passage of significant amounts into breast milk very unlikely. It is unlikely to alter the lipid composition of milk.

Its prolonged use may cause plasma deficiency, due to lack of absorption, of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), so it may be advisable to supplement to avoid deficiency of these vitamins in breast milk.

Several experts and expert consensuses consider safe or probably safe the use of this medication during breastfeeding. ^{(Hale, LactMed, Lawrence 2016 p393, Briggs 2015)}

It is advisable to follow a lipid-lowering diet and engage in regular daily physical activity, at least half an hour daily.

For considerations on the appropriateness of lipid-lowering treatment during breastfeeding see Maternal hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia.