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Cholestyramine |
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What is Cholestyramine and why is it prescribed? Cholestyramine is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood of people with primary hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of the LDL receptors that remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Cholestyramine can be used to lower cholesterol levels in people who also have hypertriglyceridemia, a condition in which an excess of fat is stored in the body. Cholestyramine may also be prescribed to relieve itching associated with gallbladder obstruction. It's important to remember that Cholestyramine is a supplement to, not a substitute for, diet, exercise, and weight loss. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease. How should you take Cholestyramine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Cholestyramine. Never take Cholestyramine in its dry form. Always mix it with water or other liquids before taking it. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Store Cholestyramine at room temperature. Protect it from moisture and high humidity. Are there any Cholestyramine side effects? Cholestyramine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Cholestyramine side effect is constipation. Less common or rare Cholestyramine side effects may include abdominal discomfort, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, backache, belching, black stools, bleeding around the teeth, blood in the urine, brittle bones, burnt odor to urine, dental cavities, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, gas, headache, heartburn, hiccups, hives, increased sex drive, increased tendency to bleed due to vitamin K deficiency, inflammation of the eye, inflammation of the pancreas, irritation around the anal area, irritation of the skin and tongue, joint pain, lack or loss of appetite, muscle pain, nausea, night blindness due to vitamin A deficiency, painful or difficult urination, rash, rectal bleeding and/or pain, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, sour taste, swollen glands, tingling sensation, ulcer attack, vertigo, vitamin D deficiency, vomiting, weight gain or loss, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Cholestyramine? If Cholestyramine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Cholestyramine with Digitalis (Lanoxin, Crystodigin), Estrogens and progestins (hormones), Oral diabetes drugs (such as DiaBeta and Diabinese), Penicillin G (Pentids, others), Phenobarbital, Phenylbutazone (Butazolidin), Propranolol (Inderal), Spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), Tetracycline (Achromycin V), Thiazide-type water pills (such as Diuril), Thyroid medication (such as Synthroid), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may recommend that you take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take Cholestyramine. If you are taking a drug such as digitalis (Lanoxin), stopping Cholestyramine could be hazardous, since you might experience exaggerated effects of the other drug. Consult your doctor before discontinuing Cholestyramine. This drug may interfere with normal digestion and absorption of fats, including fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. If supplements of vitamins A, D, E, and K are essential to your health, your doctor may prescribe an alternative form of these vitamins. There are no special considerations regarding alcohol use with this medication. Are there any special warnings about Cholestyramine? If you are being treated for any disease that contributes to increased blood cholesterol, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemia, obstructive liver disease, or alcoholism, or if you are taking any drugs that may raise cholesterol levels, consult your doctor before taking this medication. Caution is also in order if your kidney function is poor. Cholestyramine should begin to reduce cholesterol levels during the first month of therapy. If adequate reduction of cholesterol is not obtained, your doctor may increase the dosage or add other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Therefore, it is important that your doctor check your progress regularly. Cholestyramine does not cure the tendency to have high cholesterol levels but it helps control it. To maintain healthy levels, you therefore must continue taking the drug as directed. The use of Cholestyramine may produce or worsen constipation and aggravate hemorrhoids. If this happens, inform your doctor. To prevent constipation, the doctor may increase your dosage very slowly, and ask you to drink more fluids, take more fiber, or take a stool softener. If severe constipation develops anyway, the doctor may switch to a different drug. The prolonged use of Cholestyramine may change acidity in the bloodstream, especially in younger and smaller individuals in whom the doses are relatively higher. Again, it is important that you or your child be checked by your doctor on a regular basis. Sipping Cholestyramine or holding it in your mouth for a long period can lead to tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or decay. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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