Cholestyramine Light, Prevalite

Cholestyramine Resin

(koe LES teer a meen REZ in)

Prevalite, Questran, Questran Light

It is used to lower cholesterol. It is used to treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

If you have an allergy to cholestyramine or any other part of this drug. If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have a biliary tract block. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. If you have constipation, talk with your doctor. There may be ways to lower this side effect. Take other drugs at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take this drug. Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about. Sipping this drug after mixing or holding it in your mouth for a long time may lead to tooth changes like change in color. Talk with your doctor. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often. If you are 60 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects. Bowel block has rarely happened with this drug in children. Sometimes, this has been deadly. If you have questions, talk with the doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Severe constipation or stomach pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem. Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Constipation. Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to the diet may help. Talk with the doctor about a stool softener or laxative. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Before using, be sure you know how to mix and measure the dose of this drug. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Mix with at least 2 to 6 ounces (60 to 180 mL) of liquid before taking. Rinse the cup with more liquid and drink. You may also mix it with highly fluid soups, applesauce, or crushed pineapple. Do not take dry powder. Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Store at room temperature. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.