CHOLESTYRAMINE - ORAL

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CHOLESTYRAMINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KOE-le-STYE-ra-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prevalite, Questran

GENERIC NAME(S): cholestyramine/aspartame

Uses

USES: Cholestyramine is used along with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol helps decrease the risk for strokes and heart attacks. In addition to a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details. Cholestyramine may also be used to treat itching in people with too much bile acid caused by a certain type of liver/bile duct disease (partial biliary obstruction). This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels.


How to use CHOLESTYRAMINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times a day. This medication comes as a powder with doses measured by the scoopful (using the provided scoop) or in individual dose packets. Do not take your dose in the dry powder form. Mix the medication in at least 2 to 6 ounces (60 to 180 milliliters) of liquid (such as water, milk, fruit juice), stir completely, and drink right away. Rinse your glass with more liquid and drink the rinse liquid to be sure that you have taken the entire dose. You may also mix this medication with watery soups, applesauce, or a pulpy fruit which has a lot of juice (such as crushed pineapple, peaches). Do not hold the mixture in your mouth for long since doing so can damage your teeth. Practice good dental habits (such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Cholestyramine may decrease your absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a stool softener and/or a laxative. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual bleeding/bruising, rapid breathing, confusion. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cholestyramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney disease. Some products may contain sugar or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients (such as folic acid, fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K), your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Consult your doctor for more information. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially constipation. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may affect the absorption of certain nutrients. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk. However, it may affect the absorption of certain nutrients. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), mycophenolate, raloxifene. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach/abdominal pain.

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Faq for CHOLESTYRAMINE - ORAL

Cholestyramine is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.

Cholestyramine works by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing their absorption into the body. This leads to an increased excretion of cholesterol from the body, helping to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Cholestyramine is used to treat high levels of cholesterol in the blood, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It is often prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.

Cholestyramine comes in a powdered form that needs to be mixed with water or other liquids. It should be taken orally one to six times daily, depending on the prescribed dosage. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects of cholestyramine may include constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn, nausea, or stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. If they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor.

Yes, cholestyramine may interact with certain medications. It can reduce the absorption or effectiveness of other drugs taken at the same time. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking before starting cholestyramine.

Cholestyramine should not be used by individuals with complete biliary obstruction or known hypersensitivity to the drug. It may also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so supplementation may be necessary. It is important to discuss any existing medical conditions or allergies with your doctor before taking cholestyramine.

The full effects of cholestyramine may not be seen for several weeks. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you do not notice immediate results.

The safety of cholestyramine during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.