Uses

Cholestyramine is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for reducing elevated LDL cholesterol in primary hypercholesterolemia. It is also used to relieve pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in complete biliary obstruction (where bile does not reach the intestine) and in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

Side effects

The most common adverse effect is constipation, particularly in elderly patients and at higher doses. Other effects include abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, and impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and other medications.

Warnings

Contains phenylalanine; contraindicated in phenylketonuria patients. May interfere with absorption of oral medications; administer other drugs at least one hour before or four to six hours after cholestyramine. Long-term use may cause fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.

How it works

Cholestyramine is a non-absorbable anion-exchange resin that binds bile acids in the intestinal lumen, preventing their enterohepatic recirculation. The resulting hepatic conversion of cholesterol to bile acids reduces serum LDL cholesterol levels.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature. Keep in a tightly sealed container, protected from moisture.