Cholestyramine

Also known as: Colestyramine

Drug #170

Cholestyramine is an antihyperlipidimic agent. Cholestyramine is a strongly basic anion exchange resin, consisting of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer with quaternary ammonium functional groups. It reduces the high blood cholesterol levels.

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Primary Characteristics

Cholestyramine is also known as Colestyramine.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Anion Exchange Resin.

It belongs to Lipid lowering agents pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antilipemic Agent pharmacological group.

Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: insoluble · Non-proprietary name: Cholestyramine · pH: 4.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: it is metabolised via no take place, renal excretion is no take place.

Indications

Cholestyramine is primarily indicated in conditions like Bile-induced gastritis, Diarrhoea, Diarrhoea syndromes, Digitalis intoxication, Familial hypercholesterolaemia, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hyperlipidaemias, Hyperlipoproteinaemia, L-thyroxine intoxication, Prophylaxis of NSAID-associated gastric or duodenal ulcer, Pruritus, Thyrotoxicosis.

Contraindications

Cholestyramine is contraindicated in conditions like Intestinal obstruction, Diverticulitis, Anal fissure, Hernia, Dysphagia, Hemorrhagic diathesis.

Dosage

Cholestyramine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
114.28 mg/kg	114.28 mg/kg	Every 12h	PO	-
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
200 mg/kg	200 mg/kg	Every 12h	Oral	-
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
170 mg/kg	170 mg/kg	Every 12h	oral

Drug Interactions

Unknown24 interactions

10 interactions

Minor1 interaction

Moderate2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Cholestyramine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Intestinal impaction, Bleeding diathesis. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Cholestyramine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal discomfort, Constipation , Diarrhea, Flatulence, Heart burn, Nausea, Rashes , Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Before starting therapy with cholestyramine, investigate and treat diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, dysproteinemias or liver diseases. With long term therapy, supplemental vitamin A and D may be given. Periodically measure serum triglyceride level to detect significant changes. These agents may produced or severely worsen pre-existing constipation. A laxative, stool softener or increased fluid intake may be helpful.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Cholestyramine should be stored Powder.

Drug Classification

1.12.6 — Lipid-regulating drugs /Anti-atheromas