colestyramine anhydrous at a glance
Medicine class
Bile acid sequestrant, also called a bile acid-binding resin.
Main roles
Lowering cholesterol and relieving selected forms of bile acid-related itching or diarrhoea.
Administration
Mix the powder thoroughly with a suitable liquid or soft food; never swallow it dry.
Key practical issue
It can bind other medicines and vitamins in the gut, so administration may need separating.
What is colestyramine anhydrous used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Reducing plasma cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemia, including a specified primary-prevention population who have not responded adequately to diet and other appropriate measures.
Relieving itching associated with partial biliary obstruction or primary biliary cholangitis.
Relieving diarrhoea associated with ileal resection, Crohn’s disease, vagotomy or diabetic vagal neuropathy.
Managing radiation-induced diarrhoea.
Outside the selected product licences, specialist use to accelerate leflunomide elimination.
How does colestyramine anhydrous work?
It binds bile acids in the intestine, forming a complex that leaves the body in faeces. This interrupts bile acid recycling, promotes conversion of cholesterol into new bile acids and lowers LDL cholesterol. Binding excess bile acids can also reduce related itching and diarrhoea. The resin is not absorbed from the digestive tract.
colestyramine anhydrous preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 4 g
How to take colestyramine anhydrous
Follow the product leaflet and prescriber’s instructions. Do not swallow the powder dry.
Sprinkle it evenly onto water, fruit juice or another suitable liquid, allow it to wet, then stir or shake thoroughly.
It may also be mixed with skimmed milk, thin soup, fruit smoothies or moist soft food such as apple sauce.
Ask a pharmacist to help plan administration if you use other medicines, vitamins or minerals.
colestyramine anhydrous side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation, the most frequent adverse effect
- Bloating, wind or abdominal discomfort
- Nausea, vomiting, heartburn or indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash or local irritation
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible bowel obstruction: severe abdominal pain, swelling, repeated vomiting, or inability to pass stool or wind
- Unexpected bleeding or easy bruising, which may indicate vitamin K deficiency
- Symptoms suggesting significant acid-base disturbance, particularly in children or people with renal impairment
colestyramine anhydrous in pregnancy
It can be used when needed because it remains in the digestive tract and direct fetal exposure is not expected. However, it can reduce absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, so prescriber review, supplementation or clotting assessment may be appropriate. Do not stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with the maternity or specialist team.
colestyramine anhydrous while breastfeeding
Product information states that safety during breastfeeding has not been established. A prescriber should assess whether treatment is needed and consider its potential effect on the mother’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly during prolonged treatment.
colestyramine anhydrous interactions
Colestyramine can bind medicines in the gut, reducing or delaying their absorption. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber how to separate administration when necessary.
Levothyroxine, liothyronine and thyroid extracts
Reduced absorption may impair thyroid control; thyroid response may need monitoring.
Warfarin and related coumarin anticoagulants
Absorption and anticoagulant response may change during treatment or after stopping, requiring closer monitoring.
Digoxin and digitoxin
Reduced absorption is possible. Stopping colestyramine can increase exposure if the cardiac glycoside was adjusted during combined treatment.
Common questions about colestyramine anhydrous
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is colestyramine anhydrous used for?
It is licensed to lower cholesterol and relieve specified forms of itching and diarrhoea associated with bile acids or particular gastrointestinal conditions.
Does colestyramine anhydrous enter the bloodstream?
No. The resin remains in the digestive tract and passes out in faeces.
Can it be mixed with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.