Cholestyramine (cholestyramine): function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is cholestyramine for?

Cholestyramine or cholestyramine is a drug to lower high cholesterol. Cholestyramine is generally used in conjunction with a proper diet to lower cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Apart from having a proper diet (such as a low cholesterol and low fat diet), other lifestyle changes that can help this cholesterol drug work better include exercising, losing weight if you are overweight, and quitting smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

Cholestyramine is a drug that can also be used to treat itching in people with too much bile acid caused by a type of liver disease (partial biliary obstruction).

How to use and storage

How to use cholestiramine?

Cholestyramine or cholestyramine is available in powder form which must be dissolved in water.

Apart from being mixed with water, you can mix this medicinal powder with other drinks or foods, such as milk, cereal, soups, or fruits.

Read the medication rules given by your pharmacist before using cholesteramine. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this drug may not work well in people with excess body weight (obesity). Your doctor may recommend a special diet to lose weight first.

In addition, it is important for you to know that cholesteramine does not cure your cholesterol problem. This drug only helps control cholesterol levels in the body.

Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Cholestyramine is a drug that is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of cholestyramine for adults?

Cholestiramine is a drug that can be used in 1 packet per day.

The further dose can be used as many as 3 packages per day

What is the dosage of cholestyramine for children?

Cholestyramine is a drug whose safety and performance have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age).

In what dosage form is this medicine available?

Cholestyramine or cholestyramine is a drug available in a drug package (anhydrous drug) with a content of 4-9 grams.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is a drug that may have side effects. Although not all side effects can occur, they may require medical attention.

The following are some of the side effects that can arise:

• constipation
• stomach ache
• diarrhea
• nausea
• gag
• excessive burping
• decreased appetite
• skin irritation

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

What should be known before using cholestiramine?

Before taking cholestiramine, here are a few things you should pay attention to:

• Tell your doctor about any illnesses or other health conditions you are currently suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.
• In addition, tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to certain drugs, especially cholestyramine or other active ingredients found in this medicine.
• Before giving this drug to people with kidney or liver dysfunction, first consult a doctor.
• This medicine should not be given to children and the elderly, especially those with decreased kidney and liver function.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Cholestyramine is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is equivalent to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following is an explanation of the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A: It's not risky
• B: No risk in some studies
• C: It might be risky
• D: There is positive evidence of risk
• X: Contraindicated
• N: Not known

Meanwhile, there is insufficient information about the safety of using this medicine in breastfeeding mothers.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with cholestyramine?

The following is a list of drugs that can interact with this drug:

• warfarin
• diuretics (hydrochlorothiazine, indapamide, metolazone)
• propranolol
• tetracycline
• penicillin
• phenobarbital
• thyroid medication
• contraceptive pills
• vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Can food or alcohol interact with cholestyramine?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• have hyperparathyroidism
• have hepatitis

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or signs of an overdose, contact the emergency services provider (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Make sure you do not double your dose in one use of this medicine.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.