Cholestyramine Coupon & Discounts

Cholestyramine Information:

• What

What is cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is prescribed to those whose cholesterol is not being controlled through diet, and works in conjunction to dietary changes to target cholesterol and fat reduction in the blood. When taken according to directions, it helps lower cholesterol levels by forcing the liver to increase bile production. Because cholestyramine binds with and removes bile acid from the body, the liver must produce more and it uses the stored excess cholesterol to produce it. There are other uses for cholestyramine and your doctor or pharmacist can explain them to you at your request.

• How

How do I take cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is consumed orally as a chewable bar or as a powder, which must be mixed with food or with liquids. In most instances, it is taken two to four times a day, depending on physician’s instructions. Typically, a dose is taken before or with meals, or at bedtime, and should be taken at the same time every day. Self-medicating or varying from the directions of your healthcare professional is not recommended.

If you are taking cholestyramine in bar form, do not swallow it until it is completely chewed. If you are taking it in powdered form, stir it into a liquid until it is completely dissolved. Drink the beverage slowly and, once consumed, rinse the glass with more of the liquid and drink it to ensure you have taken the full dose. If desired, the powder can be mixed with pureed fruits, vegetables, or soups. A complete dosing cycle for a day can be made the night before and refrigerated.

• Precautions

Before taking , tell your doctor if:

• You are taking any medications you are taking, as cholestyramine can have an effect on them, especially vitamins, antibiotics, anticoagulants or blood thinners (such as warfarin), or digitoxin, digoxin, diuretics, iron, loperamide, mycophenolate, oral diabetes medications, phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, propranolol, and/or thyroid medications.
• You must also tell him or her if you are allergic to cholestyramine or other medications
• You have had heart disease, angina, diseases of the stomach, gall bladder, or intestinal system, or have phenylketonuria.
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding, or plan to become pregnant while taking this medication.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine may have some side effects. Contact your physician if you experience one or more of the following: mild or continuing constipation or diarrhea; excessive bloating or gas; blood in your urine; dizziness, spinning sensations, or ringing in your ears; rectal itching, irritation, or bleeding, or blood in stools or urine; shortness of breath or hiccups; sour taste in your mouth, and/or tongue irritation; muscle or joint pain; nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or weight gain or loss.

This is by no means a complete list of all side effects and others may manifest themselves. Contact your doctor if you suspect or notice any unusual side effect(s).

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of cholestyramine?

Take a missed dose of cholestyramine as soon as your realize you skipped it, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In this situation, do not take an additional dose, but take the scheduled dose instead.

• Storage

How do I store cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine needs to be kept at room temperature in the original container, tightly sealed, and out of reach of children. It must be stored away from excessive heat and moisture, so bathroom storage is not recommended.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on cholestyramine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medication, seek medical help immediately. Severe stomach pain or constipation are indicators of an overdose.

• Additional Info

Warnings

While you must drink cholestyramine slowly, it can cause tooth damage if held too long in the mouth, so good oral hygiene must be maintained. Also, because it can interfere with the absorption of other medications, they need to be taken an hour before taking cholestyramine, or four hours after.

Brand Names

This medication is sold under a number of brand names, and the cholestyramine price can be affected by this. Among the various brands are Locholest®, Locholest® Light, Prevalite®, Questran®, and Questran® Light. Costs for these products can be controlled with our discount cards or discount coupons.