LoCholest Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (KOE-le-STYE-ra-meen)
LoCholest Oral Uses
This medication is used with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Cholestyramine may also be used to treat symptoms of severe itching in people with a certain liver condition (partial biliary obstruction).
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid is a natural substance the liver makes by using cholesterol. This medication works by removing bile acid from the body. This causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.
In people with partial biliary obstruction, extra bile acid gets into the skin and can cause severe itching. This medication removes extra bile acid and therefore reduces itching.
How To Use LoCholest Oral
Take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication comes as a powder with doses measured by the scoopful (using the provided scoop) or in individual dose packets. Do not take your dose in the dry powder form. Just before taking your dose, mix it into at least 2 to 6 ounces (60 to 180 milliliters) of liquid (such as water, fruit juice). Stir the mixture thoroughly, and drink all of it immediately. Rinse your glass with more liquid and drink the rinse liquid to be sure that you receive the entire dose. You may also mix this medication with watery soups, cereals, applesauce, or pulpy fruit (such as crushed pineapple, fruit cocktail).
Do not hold the mixture in your mouth for long since doing so can damage your teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene (such as brushing and flossing regularly).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Cholestyramine may decrease the absorption of other medications you may be taking. Therefore, take other medications at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking your cholestyramine dose.
