Cholestyramine comes in a chewable bar and in a powder that must be mixed with fluids or food. It usually is taken
two to four times a day
. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
How long does it take for cholestyramine to take effect?
How long should it take for cholestyramine to work? In some conditions cholestyramine may take
up to one month
to work.
Can I take cholestyramine twice a day?
Although cholestyramine is
usually taken once or twice per day
, this medicine may be taken up to 6 times per day. Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Mix the cholestyramine powder with at least 2 to 3 ounces of water or other non-carbonated beverage.
Can you take too much cholestyramine?
Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain or constipation.
Avoid taking other medications at the same time you
take cholestyramine. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine before you take any other medications.
How long does it take for cholestyramine to lower cholesterol?
It may take
several weeks
before you get the full benefit of this drug. Cholestyramine may decrease your absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine.
What is the best time of day to take cholestyramine?
Take this medication
before a meal and/or at bedtime
, and try to take any other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take cholestyramine because cholestyramine can interfere with their absorption. Continue to take cholestyramine even if you feel well.
Does cholestyramine make you gain weight?
Renal: Hematuria, dysuria, burnt odor to urine, diuresis. Miscellaneous: Weight loss, weight gain, increased libido, swollen glands, edema, dental bleeding, dental caries, erosion of tooth enamel, tooth discoloration.
What happens when you stop taking cholestyramine?
When you stop taking cholestyramine,
your blood cholesterol levels may increase again
. Your doctor may want you to follow a special diet to help prevent this from happening.
Is cholestyramine bad for your liver?
Hepatotoxicity. There
is little evidence that cholestyramine causes significant liver injury
. However, mild elevations in serum aminotransferase levels occur in a proportion of patients on cholestyramine. The elevations have been mild, transient and without accompanying symptoms or jaundice.
Can cholestyramine cause hair loss?
Dear N.C.: Hair loss is not listed on the literature for this medication, but yes,
the drug can indirectly cause hair loss by wiping out the body's natural nutrients
. Cholestyramine does a good job of grabbing extra cholesterol in the body, but it also grabs a few vitamins and minerals at the same time.
What are the symptoms of bile salt diarrhea?
Excess bile acids entering the colon can cause the classic signs and symptoms of bile acid malabsorption (BAM), including
watery stool, urgency and fecal incontinence
Is cholestyramine bad for your teeth?
Sipping the cholestyramine/liquid mixture slowly or holding the liquid in your mouth for too long may result in tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or tooth decay.
Does cholestyramine affect the kidneys?
Conclusion: Cholesterol reduction with cholestyramine treatment
did not meaningfully affect renal function
compared with placebo in the present analysis. Prospective intervention trials are needed to determine whether decreasing serum cholesterol levels benefits kidney function in otherwise healthy individuals.
Do I have to take cholestyramine forever?
It may be very important for you to go on a reducing diet. However, check with your doctor before going on any diet. Remember that this medicine will not cure your cholesterol problem but it will help control it. Therefore,
you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your cholesterol level
.
Can cholestyramine lower BP?
Cholestyramine is also a cholesterol-lowering drug with the
same tendency to raise blood pressure
.
Can you drink alcohol while taking cholestyramine?
This medicine is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your health care professional 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.
