Primary biliary cholangitis
12–16 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 3 months, then 12–16 mg/kg once daily, dose to be taken at bedtime.
12–16 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 3 months, then 12–16 mg/kg once daily, dose to be taken at bedtime.
12–16 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 3 months, then 12–16 mg/kg once daily, dose to be taken at bedtime.
In combination with ursodeoxycholic acid in adults with an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid, or as monotherapy in adults unable to tolerate ursodeoxycholic acid. Refer to local board guidelines.
80 mg once daily.
In combination with ursodeoxycholic acid in adults with an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid and elafibrinor, or as monotherapy in adults unable to tolerate ursodeoxycholic acid or elafibranor.
Initially 5mg once daily for 6 months, then increased to 10mg once daily if necessary and if tolerated.
Initially 5mg once daily for 6 months, then increased to 10mg once daily if necessary and if tolerated.
History Notes
22/09/2025
Updates to prescribing information, ERFC July 2025
25/10/2022
Ursodeoxycholic acid formulations and flag updated, ERWG Sept 22.
15/12/2021
East Region Formulary content agreed.
Colestyramine can also be used for pruritus associated with biliary obstruction and cirrhosis. Avoid sachets containing sugar in patients with diabetes.
4-8g once daily.
4-8g once daily.
For patients experiencing diarrhoea caused by bile acid malabsorption who are unable to tolerate colestyramine due to adverse drug reactions or formulation issues.
1.25-3.75g daily in 2-3 divided doses.
Prescribing Notes:
- Colestyramine and colesevelam should be initiated by consultant gastroenterologists only.
- Colestyramine 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
29/05/2025
Updates to prescribing information, ERWG May 25
25/10/2022
Colesevelam formulations updated, ERWG Sept 22.
15/12/2021
East Region Formulary content agreed.
Colestyramine can also be used for pruritus associated with biliary obstruction and cirrhosis. Avoid sachets containing sugar in patients with diabetes.
For dose, refer to BNF for Children.
For dose, refer to BNF for Children.
For patients experiencing diarrhoea caused by bile acid malabsorption who are unable to tolerate colestyramine due to adverse drug reactions or formulation issues.
As per specialist.
Prescribing Notes:
- Colestyramine should be initiated by consultant gastroenterologists only.
- Colestyramine 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.
- Additional information on paediatric GI conditions and initial management are available on the NHS Lothian RefHelp website. These are developed by the RHCYP Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (PGHAN) service, providing specialist services for Lothian, Fife and the Borders as part of the South-East Scotland Regional PGHAN Network (SESPGHAN).
History Notes
29/05/2025
Updates to prescribing information, ERWG May 25
30/08/2023
East Region Formulary content agreed - ERFC 09/08/2023.