Generic name: cholestyramine (oral route) [ koe-le-STYE-ra-meen ]
Drug class:Bile acid sequestrants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 22, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Prevalite
- Questran
- Questran Light
In Canada
- Novo-Cholamine
- Novo-Cholamine Light
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Suspension
Therapeutic Class: Antihyperlipidemic
Pharmacologic Class: Bile Acid Sequestrant
Uses for Novo-Cholamine Light
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. With some liver problems, there is too much bile acid in your body and this can cause severe itching.
Cholestyramine works by attaching to certain substances in the intestine. Since cholestyramine is not absorbed into the body, these substances also pass out of the body without being absorbed.
Cholestyramine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cholestyramine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Novo-Cholamine Light
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children. In effective doses, the medicine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Geriatric
Side effects may be more likely to occur in patients over 60 ...
