cholestyramine

What is the most important information I should know about cholestyramine?

What is cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is used to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad" cholesterol).

Cholestyramine is also used to treat itching caused by a blockage in the bile ducts of the gallbladder.

Cholestyramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cholestyramine?

• a blockage in your biliary tract.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• chronic constipation;
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using cholestyramine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Taking cholestyramine can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. Your doctor may recommend you take a vitamin supplement.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You may have an even greater need for vitamin supplements during pregnancy or while you are breast-feeding a baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking vitamin supplements during treatment with cholestyramine.

How should I take cholestyramine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Although cholestyramine is usually taken once or twice per day, this medicine may be taken up to 6 times per day. Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions.

Mix the cholestyramine powder with at least 2 to 6 ounces of water or other non-carbonated beverage. You may also mix the powder with a brothy soup, crushed pineapple, or applesauce. Measure the powder using the scoop provided with your medication. Do not use any other scoop or measuring cup to measure your cholestyramine dose.

Use cholestyramine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Cholestyramine can affect the surfaces of your teeth. Sipping the cholestyramine/liquid mixture slowly or holding the liquid in your mouth for too long may result in tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or tooth decay. Be sure to brush your teeth regularly while you are using this medicine.

While using cholestyramine, you may need frequent blood tests.

Cholestyramine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain or constipation.

What should I avoid while taking cholestyramine?

What are the possible side effects of cholestyramine?

• ongoing or worsening constipation;
• severe stomach pain;
• blood in your urine;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding.

Side effects such as constipation may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• mild constipation, diarrhea;
• stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite;
• bloating or gas;
• irritation of your tongue; or
• itching or irritation around your rectal area.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cholestyramine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect cholestyramine, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• digoxin (digitalis);
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• penicillin G;
• phenobarbital;
• phenylbutazone;
• propranolol;
• spironolactone;
• tetracycline;
• thyroid medication such as levothyroxine; or
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cholestyramine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cholestyramine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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