What is cholestyramine used to treat?

Descriptions. Cholestyramine is used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels. Cholestyramine is also used to remove substances called bile acids from your body.

Why does cholestyramine cause constipation?

Constipation is a very common side effect of cholestyramine (Prevalite) because of the way the medication works. Normally, bile acids in the intestine help control how much water is in your stool. By binding to extra bile acid in the intestines, this medication may remove some water in your stool, causing constipation.

Does cholestyramine cause diarrhea?

The more common side effects of cholestyramine can include: constipation. upset stomach or stomach pain. diarrhea or loose stools.

Can cholestyramine cause liver damage?

Hepatotoxicity. There is little evidence that cholestyramine causes significant liver injury. However, mild elevations in serum aminotransferase levels occur in a proportion of patients on cholestyramine. The elevations have been mild, transient and without accompanying symptoms or jaundice.

Can cholestyramine cause back pain?

Hypersensitivity: Urticaria, asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath. Musculoskeletal: Backache, muscle and joint pains, arthritis. Neurologic: Headache, anxiety, vertigo, dizziness, fatigue, tinnitus, syncope, drowsiness, femoral nerve pain, paresthesia.

Can cholestyramine cause hair loss?

The nutrients depleted by cholestyramine include zinc, magnesium, calcium, folic acid and vitamin B12. These nutrients nourish the hair and nails. A deficiency in them can cause problems with your hair, such as premature graying, dryness and hair loss.

Can cholestyramine damage your teeth?

Cholestyramine can affect the surfaces of your teeth. Sipping the cholestyramine/liquid mixture slowly or holding the liquid in your mouth for too long may result in tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or tooth decay. Be sure to brush your teeth regularly while you are using this medicine.