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Tag: Cholestyramine

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What is the main side effect of cholestyramine and How Is It Managed?

5 min read
In the United States, nearly 25 million adults have total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL [1.10.2]. For many, medications like cholestyramine are prescribed, but it's crucial to understand the answer to: **what is the main side effect of cholestyramine?** The most frequently reported side effect is constipation [1.3.2].

Can you take cholestyramine and colestipol together?

5 min read
Cholestyramine and colestipol are both bile acid sequestrants used to lower high cholesterol and share an almost identical mechanism of action. Due to this therapeutic duplication, combining these two medications is medically unnecessary and could increase the risk of adverse effects. Before considering combination therapy for any medication, including asking, "Can you take cholestyramine and colestipol together?", it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider.

Exploring Alternatives: What is a good substitute for colestipol?

4 min read
First approved by the FDA in 1977, colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant (BAS) used primarily to lower cholesterol and manage bile acid malabsorption (BAM). However, side effects like constipation or its formulation may lead patients to seek **what is a good substitute for colestipol**. For those looking for alternative treatments, a range of options is available depending on the specific medical condition.

What Should You Avoid When Taking Cholestyramine?

4 min read
Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant medication often prescribed to lower high cholesterol or manage itching from liver disease. According to the manufacturer, to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety, it is essential to know what to avoid when taking cholestyramine, including other medications and certain foods.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Cholestyramine?

4 min read
Cholestyramine works by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion. This mechanism helps lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol or relieve symptoms of bile acid malabsorption, but discontinuing it can reverse its therapeutic effects.

Is colestipol the same as cholestyramine?

5 min read
As members of the same drug class, bile acid sequestrants, colestipol ($Colestid$) and cholestyramine ($Questran$) share a common mechanism for lowering cholesterol but are not identical. The choice between the two often depends on specific patient needs, potential side effects, and preferred formulation.

What is the generic name for cholestyramine?

4 min read
First approved by the FDA in 1973, **cholestyramine** is the generic name for a medication that helps lower cholesterol and relieve itching caused by liver conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.