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- $Unique_ID{BRK03073}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{chenodiol}
- $Subject{Chenix Reid-Rowell Gallstone dissolver chenodiol dissolve gallstones
- bile acid cholesterol dissolution}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- chenodiol
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Chenix (Reid-Rowell)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Gallstone dissolver
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- chenodiol
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (250 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Chenodiol tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
- closed container.
-
- USES
-
- This medication is used to dissolve gallstones in individuals who cannot
- tolerate surgery. Chenodiol is a naturally occurring bile acid that blocks
- the body's production of cholesterol. This action leads to gradual
- dissolution of cholesterol gallstones.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- In order to obtain the maximum benefit from this medication, you should
- take it with food or milk. It is important to continue taking this medication
- for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually six months to two
- years), even if your symptoms disappear. If you stop using this drug too
- soon, your symptoms could recur (the gallstones may not have completely
- dissolved).
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose 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.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach
- cramps, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
- to the medication.
- If diarrhea continues to be a problem, contact your doctor.
- Antidiarrheal medications may be effective for short periods, or your doctor
- may want to decrease your dose of chenodiol.
- 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).
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- yellowing of the eyes or skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Chenodiol may interact with several other types of medications:
- 1. Cholestyramine, colestipol, and aluminum-containing antacids can
- decrease the absorption of chenodiol from the gastrointestinal tract.
- 2. Estrogen-containing drugs, oral contraceptives (birth control pills),
- probucol, and clofibrate can counteract the effectiveness of chenodiol.
- Before you start to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
- about any other medications you are currently taking, especially if you are
- taking any of those listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you
- have had to any medications, especially to chenodiol.
- * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had biliary tract
- disease, blood vessel disease, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, liver
- disease, or pancreatitis.
- * Body weight and diet influence the formation and dissolution of
- gallstones. A high-fiber, low-fat diet and weight reduction are recommended
- to increase the effectiveness of chenodiol.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although extensive
- studies in humans have not been conducted, this medication has caused birth
- defects in the offspring of animals that received large doses of it during
- pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. It is not known
- whether chenodiol passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-