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Cholestyramine Oral Tablet
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CHOLESTYRAMINE – ORAL TABLET
(ko-less-TEER-uh-meen)
USES: This medication is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. High levels of cholesterol may block the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. For best results, this medication must be used along with an exercise program and a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. This medication is also used to treat itching caused by gall bladder obstruction and specialized cases of diarrhea.
HOW TO USE: Swallow each tablet, one at a time, with a mouthful (1 ounce, 30 mls) of water or other liquid. This medication may be taken with food. This medication can interfere with other medications if taken at the same time. Try to take other medications one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking this drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help establish a dosing schedule if you are taking more than one medication. It may take a few weeks to months before the full effects of this medication are noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, stomach upset, heartburn, belching, gas, nausea, loss of appetite, aggravated hemorrhoids, change of taste, headache, or itching may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: unusual bleeding or bruising, severe stomach ache, vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: constipation, hemorrhoids, hypothyroidism, diabetes, stomach or intestinal problems, gall bladder problems, kidney or liver problems, unusual bleeding or bruising, allergies (especially drug allergies). Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before you take this medication, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you take, especially of: digitoxin, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), penicillin G, phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, propranolol, thyroid, tetracycline, warfarin and other blood thinners, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach pain or severe constipation.
NOTES: Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. Know what your cholesterol level is and understand what it means. Your doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist can provide you with valuable information. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.