Colestyramine helps lower your cholesterol levels in the blood.
Excessive cholesterol in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Colestyramine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Colestyramine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Mix the powder (1 sachet of 4 g Colestyramine) with 60-180 mL of water or other noncarbonated drinks (e.g. fruit juice). Stir to a uniform consistency before taking. Alternatively, you may mix the powder with skimmed milk, thin soups or pulpy fruits with high moisture content (e.g. applesauce, crushed pineapple).
Sipping or holding the mixture in your mouth for a long time may cause changes in the surface of the teeth, such as discolouration. Maintain good oral hygiene.
Do not take the powder in dry form. Do not inhale the powder. You must drink plenty of fluids while taking Colestyramine.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Colestyramine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have complete blockage of the bile duct as Colestyramine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- constipation
- triglyceride (type of fat in the blood) level of 250-299 mg/dL
- prone to develop deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins e.g. vitamins A, D, E, or K
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Colestyramine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
Colestyramine may cause any of the following side effects: stomach discomfort and/or pain, stomach wind, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), indigestion, loss of appetite, rash, and irritation of the skin, tongue, or anal area.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- severe constipation or stomach pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, benzylpenicillin
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines for thyroid disease e.g. levothyroxine
- propranolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
- birth control pills that contain estrogens or progestins
- oral phosphate supplements
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Colestyramine.
Colestyramine may interfere with the absorption of other medicines. To prevent any interaction, take the other medicines at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking Colestyramine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Long-term treatment with Colestyramine may cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K), as well as folic acid (vitamin B9). Your doctor may give you vitamin supplements while you are being treated with this medicine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
