A problem that many people have these days is the increase in cholesterol levels in the body. So, did your doctor prescribe you a pill-like medicine to control your cholesterol? Or did you get this medicine for a skin rash caused by a liver condition? Today we are talking about this medicine called Cholestyramine. Let's talk simply and politely about how to use it, what to be careful about, and what to be aware of.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Cholestyramine is a medicine that lowers the cholesterol levels in your body. Our liver produces something called 'bile acid' that helps us digest the food we eat. The liver uses cholesterol to make this bile acid.
Think of this Cholestyramine drug as a sponge. When you take this drug, it traps bile in the intestines and eliminates it from the body with feces. Then, the liver has to make new bile. The liver uses the cholesterol in your blood to do that. In this way, the level of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) in the blood, especially the bad cholesterol, is reduced .
Additionally, some people with liver diseases experience excessive bile acid accumulation in their bodies, causing unbearable itching. This medicine also controls the itching by removing the excess bile from the body.
Remember, this medication is usually prescribed in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise . The best results are achieved when all three are combined.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to inform your doctor.
- If you are someone who suffers from frequent constipation .
- If you have any kidney-related condition .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this Cholestyramine medicine, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives added to food.
- If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will determine the treatment that is most suitable for you.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is the most important part. It is essential to know the correct way to use this medicine.
Very important: Do not swallow this medicine as a dry powder under any circumstances . Doing so can cause the powder to become lodged in the throat and esophagus, causing difficulty breathing.
This is how to prepare the medicine:
1. Place the prescribed amount of medicine powder (usually one packet) into a glass or cup.
2. Then, add 60 to 180 ml (about half a glass of regular water) of a liquid such as water, milk, pulpy fruit juice, or thin soup.
3. Now stir this powder well until it dissolves well, and drink it completely.
4. Try to take the prescribed dose at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once, including a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is also a very important point. Cholestyramine can reduce the absorption of some other medications you are taking. Therefore, you need to be careful about this to get the full benefits of the treatment.
It is best to take this Cholestyramine powder one (1) hour before or four (4) hours after any other medication you are taking.
The table below lists several medications that may interact with this medicine.
| Drug category | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Water pills (Diuretics) | Medicines given to remove water from the body. |
| Types of hormones | Estrogen or progestin hormones, thyroid hormones. |
| Medicines for heart disease | Eg: Digoxin, Digitoxin, Propranolol |
| Anticoagulant | Ex: Warfarin |
| Antibiotics | Ex: Penicillin G, Tetracycline |
| Vitamins | Fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamins A, D, E, and K. |
| Other medications | Drugs such as Phenobarbital and Phenylbutazone. |
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or herbal remedy you are taking.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medicine, Cholestyramine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are not serious, but some require immediate attention.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomiting coffee grounds-like material, red or dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, and excessive bleeding from even a minor injury. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, bloating (gas), stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
In particular, constipation is the main and most common side effect of this medication. Therefore, if you have not had a bowel movement for 3 days, be sure to talk to your doctor .
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medicine.
- The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medicines is to hand them over to the hospital or nearest government dispensary. If this is not possible, remove the powder from the packet, mix it with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed polythene bag and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Never swallow Cholestyramine powder dry. Always dissolve it well in a liquid before drinking.
- Take any other medications you are taking one hour before or four hours after taking this medicine.
- Constipation is a common side effect. If you do not have a bowel movement for more than 3 days, tell your doctor.
- If you notice signs of an allergy or unusual bleeding, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medication is only one part of your cholesterol management program. Proper diet and exercise are equally important.
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