Dianon Suspension

1) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) who do not respond adequately to diet. Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder may be useful to lower LDL cholesterol in patients who also have hypertriglyceridemia, but it is not indicated where hypertriglyceridemia is the abnormality of most concern. …

• The recommended starting adult dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder is one pouch or one level scoopful (5.7 grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder contains 4 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin) once or twice a day
• The recommended maintenance dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder is 2 to 4 pouches or scoopfuls daily (8 to 16 grams anhydrous cholestyramine resin) divided into two doses
• It is recommended that increases in dose be gradual with periodic assessment of lipid/lipoprotein levels at intervals of not less than 4 weeks
• The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 pouches or scoopfuls of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder (24 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin)
• The suggested time of administration is at mealtime but may be modified to avoid interference with absorption of other medications
• Although the recommended dosing schedule is twice daily, Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder may be administered in 1 to 6 doses per day
• Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder should not be taken in its dry form
• Always mix the dry powder with water or other fluids before ingesting
• See Preparation Instructions
• Concomitant Therapy Preliminary evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of cholestyramine on total and LDL-cholesterol are enhanced when combined with a HMG-COA reductase inhibitor, e.g., pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin. …

• Although an optimal dosage schedule has not been established, standard texts list a usual pediatric dose of 240 mg/kg/day of anhydrous cholestyramine resin in two to three divided doses, normally not to exceed 8 g/day with dose titration based on response and tolerance
• In calculating pediatric dosages, 70.2 mg of anhydrous cholestyramine resin are contained in 100 mg of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP Light
• The effects of long-term drug administration, as well as its effect in maintaining lowered cholesterol levels
• In pediatric patients, are unknown. …

• Inform your physician if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• Drink plenty of fluids and mix each 5.7 gram dose of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP Light powder in at least 2 to 3 ounces of fluid before taking
• Sipping or holding the resin suspension in the mouth for prolonged periods may lead to changes in the surface of the teeth resulting in discoloration, erosion of enamel or decay; good oral hygiene should be maintained

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Light powder is contraindicated in patients with complete biliary obstruction where bile is not secreted into the intestine and in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Cholestyramine resin may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication such as phenylbutazone, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (acidic) or propranolol (basic), as well as tetracycline, penicillin G, phenobarbital, thyroid and thyroxine preparations, estrogens and progestins and digitalis. Interference with the absorption of oral phosphate supplements has been observed with another positivelycharged bile acid sequestrant. Cholestyramine resin may interfere with the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo enterohepatic circulation. …

PHENYLKETONURICS: CHOLESTYRAMINE FOR ORAL SUSPENSION, USP LIGHT POWDER CONTAINS 22.4 mg PHENYLALANINE PER 5.7 GRAM DOSE.

The most common adverse reaction is constipation. When used as a cholesterol-lowering agent predisposing factors for most complaints of constipation are high dose and increased age (more than 60 years old). Most instances of constipation are mild, transient and controlled with conventional therapy. Some patients require a temporary decrease in dosage or discontinuation of therapy. …

Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of cholestyramine in pregnancy or lactation or by women of childbearing age requires that the potential benefits of drug therapy be weighted against the possible hazards to the mother and child. …

Overdosage of cholestyramine resin has been reported in a patient taking 150% of the maximum recommended daily dosage for a period of several weeks. No ill effects were reported. Should an overdosage occur, the chief potential harm would be obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. The location of such potential obstruction, the degree of obstruction and the presence or absence of normal gut motility would determine treatment.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.