Cholestyramine

Cholestyramine is a generic drug that is approved to treat high cholesterol and relieve itching that is caused by a partial biliary obstruction. It comes in a powder form and should be mixed with liquids before being consumed. This bile acid sequestrant prevents bile acids in the intestines from being reabsorbed back into the body. Cholestyramine has also proven effective in lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels.

 

Cholestyramine: An Overview

Cholestyramine is a prescription medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body or control itching with certain types of liver disease. Cholestyramine is sold under several brand names, including:
 
  • Questran®
  • Questran® Light
  • Prevalite®
  • LoCholest®.
 
There is also a generic cholestyramine available by prescription. It is sold as Cholestyramine powder or Cholestyramine Light powder.
 
This article will discuss the generic form of cholestyramine (hereafter known as "Cholestyramine"). For information on the specific brands, click Questran or Prevalite.
 

Who Makes Cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is manufactured by several companies, including Sandoz and Eon Laboratories.
 

Cholestyramine Uses

Cholestyramine has been licensed for several uses, including:
 
 
  • Lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in patients with high total cholesterol
  • Relief of itching caused by a partial biliary obstruction.
     
(Click What Is Cholestyramine Used For? for more detailed information on these uses.)
 
(Cholestyramine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;