Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine is a type of medication used to lower cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
This drug is also known as bile acid-binding resin. That means the content in Cholestyramine can work to remove bile acids from the body.
Drug Trade Names: Cholestyramine Light, Prevalite, Questran, Questran Light, Locholest, Locholest Light, Questran Light Packets, Prevalite Packets, and Questran Packets.
Benefits of Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine is used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also useful in helping prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol that clogs blood vessels.
Cholestyramine is also used to remove substances called bile acids from the body. Too much bile acid in the body can cause severe itching. Cholestyramine works by attaching to certain substances in the intestines. Cholestyramine is not absorbed into the body, so it also passes out of the body without being absorbed.
Cholestyramine Side Effects
Common side effects of taking this drug are:
- Constipation.
- Stomach ache.
- Diarrhea or loose stools.
- Nauseous.
- Vomit.
- Burping
- Loss of appetite.
- Skin irritation.
If the effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days or weeks. If they get worse, contact your doctor immediately.
Cholestyramine Dosage
The dosage given by the doctor to each person can vary depending on the disorder that occurs and how severe the disorder is. Here are the details of the dosage that may be given by the doctor:
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Hyperlipoproteinemia (Elevated Cholesterol Levels)
Initial dose: 4 grams (1 packet or spoon) orally once or twice daily.
Maintenance dose: 8 to 16 g (2 to 4 packets or oral scoops) in 2 divided doses.
Maximum dose: 24 grams (6 packets or scoops) per day.
-
Partial Biliary Obstruction Pruritus (Gallstone Accumulation)
Initial dose: 4 grams (1 packet or spoon) orally once or twice daily.
Maintenance dose: 8 to 16 grams (2 to 4 packets or oral scoops, divided into 2 doses).
Maximum dose: 24 grams (6 packets or scoops) per day.
-
Hyperlipoproteinemia (Blood Fat Imbalance)
The dose given is 240 mg/kg/day orally in 2 to 3 divided doses not exceeding 8 grams/day with a titration dose based on response and tolerance.
How to Use Cholestyramine
Take the medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. This medication comes as a powder with doses measured with a spoon or in individual dose packets.
Do not take the dry powder form of the dose. Mix the medication in at least 60 to 180 milliliters of liquid (such as water, milk, fruit juice), stir well, and drink right away.
Rinse the glass with more fluid and drink the rinse fluid to make sure your body gets the entire dose. You can also mix this medicine with thin soup, applesauce, or slimy fruit that contains a lot of juice.
Cholestyramine may decrease the absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about taking this medication.
Things to Consider When Using Cholestyramine
This medicine should not be taken if a person has a blockage in the stomach or intestines. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours after taking this medicine if you want to take other medicines. This is done to minimize the occurrence of drug interactions that can cause side effects.
Cholestyramine Interactions
Drug interactions may occur if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. The side effects can be serious or can stop the drug from working. You need to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other drugs.
Cholestyramine Contraindications
A person should not use Cholestyramine if they are allergic to this drug, or if they have a blockage in their digestive tract. To make sure Cholestyramine is safe, tell your doctor if you have:
- Chronic constipation.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Diabetes.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
- Coronary artery disease.