Details About Generic Salt ::  Cholesty

Main Medicine Class:: Antihyperlipidemic,Bile acid sequestrant   

(koe-less-TIE-ruh-meen)

LoCHOLEST, LoCHOLEST Light, Prevalite, Questran, Questran Light

Class: Antihyperlipidemic/Bile acid sequestrant

Drugs Class ::

 Action Increases removal of bile acids from body by forming insoluble complexes in intestine, which are then excreted in feces. As body loses bile acids, it converts cholesterol from blood to bile acid, thus lowering serum cholesterol.

Indications for Drugs ::

 Indications Reduction of serum cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia; relief of pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction. Unlabeled use(s): Treatment of antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis, bile salt-mediated diarrhea and digitalis toxicity.

Drug Dose ::

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO 4 g 1 to 6 times/day; generally given 3 to 4 times/day.

Contraindication ::

 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to bile acid sequestering resins; complete biliary obstruction.

Drug Precautions ::

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Safety not established. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Carcinogenesis: Incidence of intestinal tumors in studies was greater in cholestyramine-treated rats than in controls; relevance to clinical practice is not known.

Drug Side Effects ::

 Adverse Reactions

DERM: Rash; irritation of skin, tongue, and perianal area. GI: Constipation (can be severe and at times accompanied by fecal impaction); aggravation of hemorrhoids; abdominal pain and distention; bleeding; belching; flatulence; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; heartburn; anorexia; steatorrhea. HEMA: Bleeding tendencies related to vitamin K deficiency; folic acid deficiency. META: Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies; hyperchloremic acidosis and increased urinary calcium excretion; osteoporosis.

Drug Mode of Action ::  

 Action Increases removal of bile acids from body by forming insoluble complexes in intestine, which are then excreted in feces. As body loses bile acids, it converts cholesterol from blood to bile acid, thus lowering serum cholesterol.

Drug Interactions ::

 Interactions

Acetaminophen, amiodarone, corticosteroids, digitalis glycosides, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, fluvastatin), methotrexate, some NSAIDs (eg, piroxicam), propranolol, thiazide diuretics, ursodiol, warfarin, and other drugs: Cholestyramine may interfere with the absorption of many drugs, especially those listed. Fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K: Cholestyramine may interfere with normal fat absorption and digestion; consider supplementation with these vitamins and with folic acid. Iopanoic acid: Coadministration may result in abnormal cholecystography.

Drug Assesment ::

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Document serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
• Monitor electrolyte balance, and notify physician of increased serum phosphorus and chloride, or decreased serum sodium and potassium.

Drug Storage/Management ::

 Administration/Storage

• Administer cholestyramine separate from other drugs. Give other drugs 1 hr before or 4 to 6 hr after cholestyramine.
• In general, give medication before meals.
• Never administer dry powder without liquid. Use any noncarbonated fluid.
• Instruct patient to chew tablets thoroughly. Follow with full glass of water.

Drug Notes ::

 Patient/Family Education

• In general, instruct patient to take medication before meals.
• Advise patient to take any other medications, including otc medications, 1 hr before or 4 to 6 hr after taking cholestyramine.
• Instruct patient to use dry powder form to mix with fluid (2 to 6 oz) according to packet directions.
• Teach patient how to implement any vitamin and mineral supplementation recommended by the health care provider.
• Help patient identify appropriate meal plans that supply adequate sodium and potassium and are low in phosphorus.
• Tell patient to take prune juice, fruits and vegetables, and good fluid intake on a regular basis to avoid constipation. If constipation or other GI upset occurs, instruct patient to notify health care provider.
• Advise patient to follow regular exercise routine.
• Instruct patient to adhere to a diet low in fats and to participate in a weight management program, if appropriate.
• Advise patients with phenylketonuria that a 5 g dose of Questran Light contains aspartame equivalent to 16.8 mg of phenylalanine.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to the health care provider: constipation, flatulence, nausea, heartburn, abnormal bleeding.

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.