Cholestyramine is a cholesterol medicine that is also used to treat itching caused by biliary obstruction. This eMedTV segment offers a more in-depth look at the drug, including its uses, potential side effects, and expected results.
Common side effects of Cholestyramine may include indigestion, burping, and loss of appetite. This eMedTV page contains a list of other possible problems, including rare but possible side effects, such as asthma, joint pain, or weight gain.
What is Cholestyramine used for? As this eMedTV page explains, it is primarily used to treat high cholesterol and itching caused by biliary obstruction. It is also sometimes used to treat diarrhea in those who have had their gallbladder removed.
Dosing with Cholestyramine usually starts at one packet or one level scoopful once or twice a day. This eMedTV resource also offers maintenance dosing suggestions, as well as tips, warnings, and precautions when taking the medicine.
This eMedTV page lists medicines that may cause drug interactions with Cholestyramine, such as phenobarbital, ursodiol, and warfarin. The mixture of drugs may bind to the intestines, preventing them from fully absorbing into the body.
This eMedTV page offers precautions and warnings with Cholestyramine, including potential side effects and who should not take the drug. People with hemorrhoids, constipation, or gallstones should tell their doctor before starting Cholestyramine.
As this section of the eMedTV library explains, Cholestyramine and pregnancy have not been studied in humans. In pregnant animal studies, however, the medicine was found to potentially cause harm to the fetus.
This page of the eMedTV Web site describes the two generic cholestyramine medicines that are currently on the market. Cholestyramine powder and Cholestyramine Light powder are available in regular powder form as well as single packets.
Cholestyramine alternatives may include other bile acid sequestrants or cholesterol medicines. This eMedTV article contains a list of other Cholestyramine substitutes, including cholesterol absorption inhibitors, statins, niacin, and fibrates.
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