To improve the condition of patients with high blood cholesterol and impaired excretion of bile acids from the body, special medications are used. The most popular of these is Cholestyramine. Instructions for use note that this medicine is well tolerated, since it is not absorbed from the intestine and does not adversely affect the functioning of other organs and systems. But it becomes known to patients mainly from other patients who have undergone treatment with the drug. Indeed, now "Cholestyramine" is almost never used in Russian medicine. Therefore, before using this medication, you need to consult a doctor.
Drug action
"Cholestyramine" is an anion exchange resin insoluble in water.
It contains polymers of styrene and divinylbenzene. When it enters the stomach, the drug binds to
bile acids and cholesterol. Such complexes are not absorbed and are excreted unchanged through the intestines. This is the therapeutic property of the drug "Cholestyramine." Instructions for use (analogues are presented below) notes that it has such an effect:
- lowers blood cholesterol;
- reduces the content of lipoproteins and triglycerides;
- improves the formation of bile acids from cholesterol in the liver;
- reduces skin itching due to disruption of the gallbladder.
Indications for use
Not all patients suffering from excess cholesterol are aware of the beneficial effects of the drug "Cholestyramine." The instruction for use recommends using it in such cases:
- for the prevention of atherosclerosis;
- with coronary heart disease to prevent myocardial infarction;
- with elevated blood cholesterol;
- for the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia of the 2nd degree;
- to relieve itching due to stagnation of bile;
- with narrowing of the bile ducts and gallstone disease;
- with digitalis poisoning.
In all these cases, the drug will be useful.
"Cholestyramine": instructions for use
The release form of the drug is a powder for the preparation of a suspension. To dissolve it, you need to take half a glass of liquid.
Water is best, but you can take the drug with juice or milk. The suspension is prepared 10 minutes before administration, since the powder should dissolve well. The dosage is determined by the attending physician according to the patient's health. Usually 4 grams of the drug is prescribed 2 times a day. But the dose can be increased to 4 doses of 4 g. You need to drink "Cholestyramine" before meals. The course of treatment with the drug is at least a month. During this period, you need to drink as much water as possible and control the level of prothrombin and folic acid. In some cases, an additional intake of vitamins is indicated, especially vitamin K. If the patient is taking other medications, they are recommended to drink them 4 hours after Cholestyramine.
Contraindications and possible side effects
Despite the relative safety of the drug and its positive effect on the body, not everyone can drink Cholestyramine. Instructions for use prohibit its use in such cases:
- with obstruction of the biliary tract;
- patients with phenylketonuria;
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- with individual intolerance.
With caution, the drug is prescribed for elderly people over 60 years of age and children, since they have a high risk of side effects. Most often, the negative effects are manifested by the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders, heartburn and flatulence. The drug can provoke bleeding, as it reduces the level of platelets in the blood. There may also be malabsorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and folic acid. And with an overdose, obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract may develop. But basically the drug "Cholestyramine" is well tolerated (instructions for use contain information about this).
Analogues of the drug
There are not many drugs with a similar effect. Most often they have a similar composition. The drug "cholestyramine" instructions for use are called the most effective. You can buy it under the names "Kolestir", "Questran", "Cholestan" and "Kolestiramin." Similar effects are possessed by such drugs: Lipantil, Ezetrol, Tribestan, Ipokol and others. But the question of choosing a medicine must be decided with the attending physician. After all, they all have various contraindications and side effects.
Reviews on the use of "Cholestyramine"
This drug is quite expensive: a package of 100 doses can be purchased for 1000-1500 rubles. This is because it is ordered in Germany and delivered directly from the manufacturer. Now this medicine is not registered in the Russian Federation. But despite this, many patients acquire "Cholestyramine" for treatment. Instructions for use, reviews about the drug and possible side effects are on many forums. Patients who underwent treatment with this drug, note an improvement in the condition and the absence of allergic reactions. The drug is well tolerated, improves metabolism and improves the functioning of the liver and gall bladder.