Cholestyramine(koe less’ tir a meen)
Cholestyramine Light, PMS-Cholestyramine (CAN), Prevalite, Questran, Questran Light
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Antihyperlipidemic
Bile acid sequestrant
Therapeutic Actions
Binds bile acids in the intestine, allowing excretion in the feces; as a result, cholesterol is oxidized in the liver to replace the bile acids lost; serum cholesterol and LDL are lowered.
Indications
Adjunctive therapy: Reduction of elevated serum cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated LDL)
Pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction
Unlabeled uses: Antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis, treatment of thyroid hormone overdose, treatment of digitalis toxicity, treatment of certain diarrheas including Clostridium difficile (binds to toxins in the intestine), hyperoxaluria
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to bile acid sequestrants, tartrazine (tartrazine sensitivity occurs often with allergies to aspirin); complete biliary obstruction.
Use cautiously with abnormal intestinal function, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Powder for suspension—4 g per packet or scoopful
Dosages
Adults
Initially, 4 g one to two times per day PO. In patients with constipation, start with 4 g once/day. Individualize dose based on response. For maintenance, 8–16 g/day divided into two doses. Increase dose gradually with periodic assessment of lipid/lipoprotein levels at intervals of at least 4 wk. Maximum dose 6 packets or scoopfuls. May be administered 1–6 doses/day. Maximum dose, 24 g/day.
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