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Cholestyramine Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Cholestyramine resin (as Cl) 4g; per 9g packet or scoop.
Pharmacological Class
Bile acid sequestrant.
See Also
How Supplied
Contact supplier.
Manufacturer
Cholestyramine Indications
Indications
Hypercholesterolemia alone or with hypertriglyceridemia resistant to dietary management. Reduction in risk of coronary heart disease. Pruritus due to partial biliary obstruction.
Cholestyramine Dosage and Administration
Adult
Initially 1 packet or scoop mixed with fluid or food 1–2 times daily. Maintenance: 2–4 packets or scoops divided into 2 doses; max 6 packets or scoops daily. Increase at 4 week intervals.
Children
See full labeling.
Cholestyramine Contraindications
Contraindications
Complete biliary obstruction.
Cholestyramine Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Cholestyramine Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Obtain baseline serum cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and monitor during therapy. May need Vit. A, D, K, and folic acid supplementation with long-term therapy. Exclude secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia (e.g., hypothyroidism, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, alcoholism). Favorable trend in cholesterol reduction usually occurs within 1 month; continue therapy to sustain reduction. Phenylketonuria (Light formulation). Constipation. Hemorrhoids. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Cholestyramine Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Cholestyramine Interactions
Interactions
Inhibits absorption of phenylbutazone, warfarin, chlorothiazide, propranolol, tetracycline, penicillin G, phenobarbital, thyroid drugs, digitalis, many others; give other drugs 1–2 hours before or 4–6 hours after. Additive effects with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, nicotinic acid.
Cholestyramine Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Constipation, fecal impaction, aggravation of hemorrhoids, GI disturbances, osteoporosis, Vit. A, D, K, or folic acid deficiencies, increased bleeding, hyperchloremic acidosis, rash, oral or anal irritation.
Cholestyramine Clinical Trials
See Literature
Cholestyramine Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand name Questran.
Cholestyramine Patient Counseling
See Literature
