Prevalite

Prevalite is a prescription drug that is approved to treat high cholesterol and to control itching that is associated with partial biliary obstruction. The medication, which is a type of bile acid sequestrant, binds to bile acids in the intestines to prevent them from being reabsorbed back into the body. Prevalite comes in a powder form and is generally taken twice a day with meals.

 

What Is Prevalite?

Prevalite® (cholestyramine) is a prescription medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body or control itching with certain types of liver disease.
 

Who Makes Prevalite?

Prevalite is manufactured by Upsher Smith Laboratories.
 

What Is Prevalite Used For?

Prevalite 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 Prevalite Uses for more information.)
 

How Does Prevalite Work?

Prevalite 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. Prevalite can lower both total and LDL cholesterol.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;