Cholestyramine
Description
Cholestyramine is used to reduce the high cholesterol levels in the blood. Patients are advised to maintain a strict exercise and diet regimen along with this medicine for the best possible effect. It is also used to relieve the itching associated with partial biliary obstruction (blockage of the bile ducts). This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 6 years of age.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Cholestyramine
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Excessive air or gas in stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Uses of Cholestyramine
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Pruritus of Partial Biliary Obstruction
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Cholestyramine or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Complete biliary obstruction
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with complete biliary obstruction (blockage of the bile ducts) due to the increased risk of adverse effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Renal impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 6 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Time-gap
This medicine may interact with other medicines. Hence, your doctor may suggest taking other medicines at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking Cholestyramine.
Other uses
Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for indications other than those stated above in certain specific circumstances, especially if other medicines are not effective. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor in such cases.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Mycophenolate Mofetil
Teriflunomide
Digoxin
Warfarin
Atorvastatin
Disease interactions
Constipation
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with preexisting constipation or hemorrhoids due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Hyperchloremia
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with hyperchloremia, an electrolyte disturbance since it may increase the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis upon prolonged use especially in children and in patients with renal diseases. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Folate/Vitamin Deficiency
This medicine may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Report if you experience any symptoms of anemia or bleeding to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments, intake of vitamin supplements, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as advised by the doctor. Do not consume in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It binds with bile to form a complex; prevents its reabsorption through the intestine; inhibits liver reuptake of intestinal bile salts and thus increases the fecal loss of bad cholesterol.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Bile acid sequestrants
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Tevauk.com. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
Cholestyramine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
Cholestyramine Resin: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 20 December 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Cholestyramine- cholestyramine powder, for suspension [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 22 January 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 22 Jan 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.