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Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine is a prescription medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body or control itching with certain types of liver disease. It 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.
Side Effects of Cholestyramine
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Cholestyramine, but not everyone who takes the medicine will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop the medicine.
The most common side effects of Cholestyramine include:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking this medication, you should alert your healthcare provider if you have:
- Stomach problems
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hemorrhoids
- Constipation
- A biliary obstruction
- Recent surgery
- Bleeding problems
- Phenylketonuria
- An allergy to Cholestyramine or to any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may also be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Cholestyramine has been licensed for several uses, including:
Cholestyramine is part of a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing them from being reabsorbed back into the body. Bile acids are made in the liver from broken-down cholesterol. Therefore, removing these substances from your body helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Cholestyramine can lower both total and LDL cholesterol.
Effects of Cholestyramine
Since Cholestyramine can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, a person may be able decrease his or her risk of developing certain health problems in the future. This includes conditions such as heart disease, angina (chest pain), stroke, or heart attack. Cholestyramine should be used in combination with diet and exercise.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Cholestyramine include:
- It is taken once or twice a day based on your healthcare provider's recommendations.
- It should never be taken alone in its powder form. Make sure to follow the preparation directions on the prescription. Cholestyramine may be mixed with water, non-carbonated beverages, liquid soup, applesauce, or crushed pineapple.
- Your dosage should be taken with a meal and plenty of extra water to avoid constipation.
- If prescribed for lowering cholesterol, Cholestyramine should be used in combination with lifestyle modifications. This includes a healthy diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats, limited alcohol use, weight loss, and exercise.
- It should be taken at the same time every day to help maintain an even level in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
- Cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of some medications. If you are taking another medication, you may need to take it one hour before or four to six hours after you take your Cholestyramine. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can let you know which medications need to be taken separately from Cholestyramine.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Cholestyramine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As with any drug, do not adjust your Cholestyramine dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Treatment to lower cholesterol typically begins with lifestyle modifications. This includes a diet low in cholesterol (see Low Cholesterol Diet) and saturated fats, limited alcohol use, weight loss, and exercise. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower cholesterol levels to a desirable level, certain medications, such as Cholestyramine, may be necessary.
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see a list of risk factors that may affect your cholesterol level and a general guideline of ideal LDL cholesterol levels.)
For most people, Cholestyramine is quite effective in lowering cholesterol. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for Cholestyramine. These substitutes could include other bile acid sequestrants, statins, or other cholesterol medicines.
Since Cholestyramine does not get absorbed into the body, there is little risk for toxic effects. However, if you happen to overdose, you should still seek medical attention.
Storage Methods for Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture.
Keep Cholestyramine and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Cholestyramine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Who Makes Cholestyramine?
It is manufactured by several companies, including Sandoz and Eon Laboratories.
Strengths of Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine comes in two strengths -- Cholestyramine and Cholestyramine Light. One scoopful (9 grams) of Cholestyramine contains 4 grams of cholestyramine. One scoopful (6.4 grams) of Cholestyramine Light contains 4 grams of cholestyramine. Both are also available as single packets containing 4 grams of cholestyramine.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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