Cholestyramine

Type of Medication: Bile acid sequestrant

Indications: Pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction. Primary biliary cirrhosis. Contra-indicated in complete biliary obstruction. Various other indications not relating to cystic fibrosis.

Side Effects: As drug is not absorbed gastro-intestinal side effects predominate.Constipation is common but diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdo pain have also occurred. May exacerbate vitamin K deficiency, rarely hyperchloraemic acidosis with prolonged use. Intestinal obstruction reported rarely.

Route of administration: Adult (Oral)

Dose:4 to 8 g daily as a single or multiple dose.

Administration: With at least 150ml of water or other suitable fluid such as fruit juice or thin soups. Available as sugar free sachets.

Route of administration: Paediatric (Oral)

Dose:1 month to 1 year: 1g once daily, adjusted according to response. Max 9g daily. — 1 to 6 years: 2g once daily, adjusted according to response. Max 18g daily. — 12 to 18 years: see adults.

Administration: see adult (oral)

Examples of some Drug Interactions

All oral medication

Other drugs should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine to reduce possible interference with absorption