Cholestyramine powder for oral suspension

What is cholestyramine oral suspension?

CHOLESTYRAMINE (Prevalite®, Questran®, Questran® Light) absorbs and combines with bile acids, which increases removal of cholesterol from the body through the stool. It lowers blood fats and cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Cholestyramine also helps to relieve itching in patients with liver disease. Generic cholestyramine powder for oral suspension is available.

What should my health care professional know before I take cholestyramine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding problems or blood vessel disease

• constipation

• difficulty swallowing

• gall bladder disease

• hemorrhoids

• kidney disease

• phenylketonuria

• stomach problems

• under active thyroid

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cholestyramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Do not take cholestyramine powder in the dry form. It must be taken by mouth in a liquid form. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Place the powder in a glass or cup. Add between 2 and 6 ounces of fluid; this can be water, milk, pulpy fruit juice, fluid soup, or other liquid. Mix well and drink all the liquid. Rinse the glass with more liquid, stir and drink to make sure you take the full dose. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cholestyramine?

• entacapone

• heart medicines such as digoxin or digitoxin

• methotrexate

• penicillin G

• phytonadione

• propranolol

• tetracycline antibiotics

• thyroid hormones

• ursodiol

• vitamin A

• vitamin D

• warfarin

• water pills

In general, take other medicines at least 1 hour before, or 4 hours after a dose of cholestyramine, to avoid cholestyramine interfering with their absorption.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine will not cure your condition, but taken regularly it will help keep down your cholesterol level. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking cholestyramine, except on your prescriber's advice.

Cholestyramine is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking cholestyramine, to reduce the chance of getting constipated.

What side effects may I notice from taking cholestyramine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• bloody or black, tarry stools

• unusual bleeding

• severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting

• weight loss

Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• heartburn, indigestion

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• skin rash or irritation, including the tongue and perianal area

• stomach upset, belching, bloating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.