This medication is used with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Cholestyramine may also be used to treat symptoms of severe itching in people with a certain liver condition (partial biliary obstruction).

This medication belongs to a class of drugs called bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid is a natural substance the liver makes by using cholesterol. This medication works by removing bile acid from the body. This causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.

In people with partial biliary obstruction, extra bile acid gets into the skin and can cause severe itching. This medication removes extra bile acid and therefore reduces itching.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to treat diarrhea in people with certain medical conditions (such as colitis, short bowel syndrome).

Take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication comes as a powder with doses measured by the scoopful (using the provided scoop) or in individual dose packets. Do not take your dose in the dry powder form. Just before taking your dose, mix it into at least 2 to 6 ounces (60 to 180 milliliters) of liquid (such as water, fruit juice). Stir the mixture thoroughly, and drink all of it immediately. Rinse your glass with more liquid and drink the rinse liquid to be sure that you receive the entire dose. You may also mix this medication with watery soups, cereals, applesauce, or pulpy fruit (such as crushed pineapple, fruit cocktail).

Do not hold the mixture in your mouth for long since doing so can damage your teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene (such as brushing and flossing regularly).

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Cholestyramine may decrease the absorption of other medications you may be taking. Therefore, take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking your cholestyramine dose.

Constipation, stomach pain/cramping, gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To help prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist in selecting a stool softener or a laxative.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: unusual bleeding/bruising.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking cholestyramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bloody diarrhea.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal disorders, recent major intestinal surgery, constipation, hemorrhoids.

The sugar-free cholestyramine powder contains aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using the sugar-free powder safely.

Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, K) when used for a long period of time, your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Take the multivitamin at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking your cholestyramine dose.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially constipation.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk or harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also How to Use section.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: raloxifene, warfarin.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised November 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.