$Unique_ID{BRK01887}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CHOLESTYRAMINE}
$Subject{Cholybar (Parke-Davis)
Questran (Bristol Labs)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CHOLESTYRAMINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cholybar (Parke-Davis)
     Questran (Bristol Labs)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)
INGREDIENT:
     cholestyramine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Oral powder (4 gm of cholestyramine per 9 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 the dose you missed 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.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of 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.

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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.
