$Unique_ID{BRK03086} $Pretitle{} $Title{cholestyramine} $Subject{Cholybar Questran Light Bristol Labs Parke-Davis Antihyperlipidemic lipid-lowering drug cholestyramine lower blood cholesterol itching liver disease bile salts gastrointestinal tract} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. cholestyramine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Cholybar (Parke-Davis) Questran (Bristol Labs) Questran Light (Bristol Labs) TYPE OF DRUG Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug) INGREDIENT cholestyramine DOSAGE FORMS Oral powder (4 gm of cholestyramine per 9 gm of powder or 4 gm of cholestyramine per 5 gm of powder) Bar (4 gm of cholestyramine per bar) STORAGE Cholestyramine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES This medication is used to lower blood cholesterol and to treat itching associated with liver disease. Cholestyramine chemically binds to bile salts in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the body from producing cholesterol. TREATMENT Cholestyramine is usually taken before meals. Each dose should be measured carefully, then placed on the surface of two to six ounces of a beverage (water, milk, fruit juice, or other noncarbonated beverage). The powder should be allowed to sit for one to two minutes without being stirred (to prevent lumpiness). The mixture should then be stirred and completely mixed (the powder does not completely dissolve). After the solution has been drunk, the glass should be refilled with the same beverage and this solution swallowed as well (this assures that the whole dose is taken). The powder can also be mixed with soup, applesauce, or crushed pineapple. You should never take cholestyramine dry; you might accidentally inhale the powder, which could irritate your throat and lungs. For the bar form of the drug, chew thoroughly. As with the powder, this should be followed with plenty of fluids. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. Cholestyramine does not cure hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol levels), but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Anxiety, belching, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, gas, headache, hiccups, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or weight loss or gain. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about backaches; bloody or black, tarry stools; difficult or painful urination; fluid retention; muscle or joint pains; rash or irritation of the skin, tongue, or rectal area; ringing in the ears; swollen glands; tingling sensations; unusual bleeding or bruising; or unusual weakness. INTERACTIONS Cholestyramine interferes with the absorption of a number of other drugs, including phenylbutazone, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (water pills), digoxin, penicillins, tetracycline, phenobarbital, folic acid, iron, thyroid hormones, cephalexin, clindamycin, trimethoprim, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). The effectiveness of these medications will be decreased by cholestyramine. To avoid this interaction, take the other medications one hour before or four to six hours after a dose of cholestyramine. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to cholestyramine. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had bleeding disorders, biliary obstruction, heart disease, hemorrhoids, gallstones or gallbladder disease, kidney disease, malabsorption, stomach ulcers, or an obstructed intestine. * Cholestyramine should be used only in conjunction with diet, weight reduction, or correction of other conditions that could be causing high blood cholesterol levels. * This product contains the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (fainting, rash, shortness of breath) in certain susceptible individuals. * The color of cholestyramine powder may vary from batch to batch. This does not affect the effectiveness of the drug. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although cholestyramine appears to be safe (because very little is absorbed into the bloodstream), extensive studies in humans during pregnancy have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known whether cholestyramine passes into breast milk. However, cholestyramine can decrease the absorption of some vitamins in the mother, which could result in decreased availability of the vitamins to the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.