Cholestyramine is a brand of Cholestyramine.
1) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum cholesterol in patients with.
From the official label (Apr 2025). Your prescription and pharmacist come first.
What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.
1) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP 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 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. Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. …
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP 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 positively-charged bile acid sequestrant. Cholestyramine resin may interfere with the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo enterohepatic circulation. …
PRECAUTIONS General Chronic use of cholestyramine resin may be associated with increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with Vitamin K deficiency. This will usually respond promptly to parenteral Vitamin K 1 and recurrences can be prevented by oral administration of Vitamin K 1 . Reduction of serum or red cell folate has been reported over long term administration of cholestyramine resin. Supplementation with folic acid should be considered in these cases. There is a possibility that prolonged use of cholestyramine resin, since it is a chloride form of anion exchange resin, may produce hyperchloremic acidosis. …
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 weighed 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.
Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Always replace plastic lid after using. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
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.
Products with Cholestyramine as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.
Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.
A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.
Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.
Cholestyramine contains Cholestyramine. Other brands with the same active ingredient work the same way; the dose and strength on your pack are what matter.
1) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP 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 may be useful to lower LDL cholesterol in patients who also have hypertriglyceridemia, but it is not indicat (From the official U.S. FDA label.)
Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: The recommended starting adult dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP is 1 pouch or 1 level scoopful (8.3 grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP contains 4 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin) once or twice a day. The recommended maintenance dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP is 2 to 4 pouches or scoopfuls daily (8 to 16 grams anhydrous cho…
Usually yes. Cholestyramine is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.
Cholestyramine is sold under names such as Questran, Prevalite. Brand names differ between countries.
The official label lists: 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 thera… Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Although an optimal dosage schedule has not been established, standard texts (6,7) 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, 48.2 mg of anhydrous cholestyramine resin are contained in 100 mg of… Always use the dose for the child's age or weight on the pack or prescription.
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 weighed against the possible hazards to the mother and child. … Ask your doctor or midwife first.
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 obser… Use the free interaction checker before combining medicines.
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… Get medical help right away.
Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Always replace plastic lid after using. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.
This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.