Side Effects of Cholestyramine: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
Cholestyramine. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects; in fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do develop, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Cholestyramine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Cholestyramine side effects with you.)
Serious Cholestyramine Side Effects
There are some side effects of Cholestyramine that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Severe stomach pain with nausea or vomiting
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained bleeding.
Common Side Effects of Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.
In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occurred in a similar group of people taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Cholestyramine side effect was
constipation.
Other less common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Stomach discomfort or pain
- Gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Burping
- Decrease or loss of appetite
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Osteoporosis
- Unexplained rash
- Unexplained bleeding.
