This article describes cholestyramine oral suspension’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for cholestyramine. If you want to know more about cholestyramine oral suspension, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Cholestyramine oral suspension is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Questran and Prevalite. Cholestyramine only comes in a powder for oral suspension, either as single-dose packets (sachets) or in a container with a measuring scoop.
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Form and strengths of cholestyramine
Cholestyramine oral suspension comes as follows:
- Form: powder that’s mixed with liquid, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strength: 4 grams (g) per dose
Dosage of cholestyramine
This article describes the recommended dosages for cholestyramine oral suspension. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of cholestyramine oral suspension without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of cholestyramine in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of cholestyramine oral suspension. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of cholestyramine oral suspension that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for high cholesterol and other conditions, as well as itching related to partial bile duct blockage
- Starting dosage: 1 pouch or spoonful once or twice per day
- Maintenance dosage: 1 to 2 pouches or spoonfuls twice per day
- Maximum dosage: 6 pouches or spoonfuls in 24 hours
Cholestyramine powder should not be taken dry. Always mix the powder with water or some other liquid before swallowing.
Dosages of cholestyramine in children
The dosage of cholestyramine in children up to age 17 years is based on weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds.
Usually, children will take 240 milligrams per kg of body weight per day. This is divided into two or three doses. Most children won’t need more than 8 g per day.
Dosage adjustments for cholestyramine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of cholestyramine oral suspension based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other medications you are taking
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of cholestyramine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of cholestyramine oral suspension. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of cholestyramine oral suspension and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about cholestyramine oral suspension and its dosage.
Are there any foods to avoid when taking cholestyramine?
Cholestyramine oral suspension should be taken at mealtime.
While there are no specific foods to avoid when taking cholestyramine, this drug can prevent your body from absorbing fat. This includes vitamins that dissolve in fat, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. If you take cholestyramine long term, you may need to take supplements for these vitamins to prevent deficiencies.
Speak with your doctor if you have questions about how cholestyramine interacts with food.
Can cholestyramine be used for diarrhea?
Possibly. But cholestyramine oral suspension is not approved to treat diarrhea. In some cases, doctors may prescribe cholestyramine off-label for certain types of diarrhea. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
The most common type of diarrhea that cholestyramine is used for is bile-acid diarrhea. This is when there is too much bile acid in your colon, which can lead to diarrhea.
Cholestyramine is not used for diarrhea that’s caused by a virus, bacteria, or other type of infection. It should not be used without a prescription from your doctor.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the medications that may work best for your diarrhea.
Is cholestyramine taken long term?
Cholestyramine oral suspension may be prescribed for short- or long-term treatment depending on why you’re taking it.
If you’re taking this drug for high cholesterol, doctors typically prescribe cholestyramine as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you are taking it for itching related to partial bile duct blockage, doctors typically prescribe cholestyramine as a short-term treatment.
If you have questions about how long you should take cholestyramine oral suspension, talk with your doctor.
How cholestyramine is taken
You’ll swallow cholestyramine oral suspension twice per day.
Cholestyramine oral suspension is a powder that needs to be mixed with liquid that you swallow. The powder comes in either single-dose packets or sachets or in a container with a measuring scoop. It’s important that you do not take the powder on its own without mixing it in a liquid.
To take this medication, you’ll mix the powder with at least 2 to 6 ounces of water or some other liquid before swallowing it. Avoid mixing the powder with carbonated water or beverages.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Cholestyramine coupon
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