Cholestyramine

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PHENYLKETONURICS: CHOLESTYRAMINE for ORAL SUSPENSION USP, LIGHT CONTAINS 14.0 mg PHENYLALANINE PER 5 GRAM DOSE.

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Uses

1) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of elevated serum cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) who do not respond adequately to diet. Cholestyramine may be useful to lower LDL cholesterol in patients who also have hypertriglyceridemia, but it is not indicated where hypertriglyceridemia is the abnormality of most concern.

Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Treatment should begin and continue with dietary therapy specific for the type of hyperlipoproteinemia determined prior to initiation of drug therapy. Excess body weight may be an important factor and caloric restriction for weight normalization should be addressed prior to drug therapy in the overweight.

Prior to initiating therapy with Cholestyramine, secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia (e.g., poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism), should be excluded, and a lipid profile performed to assess Total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG). For individuals with TG less than 400 mg/dL (less than 4.5 mmol/L), LDL-C can be estimated using the following equation:

LDL-C = Total cholesterol – [(TG/5) + HDL-C]

For TG levels >400 mg/dL, this equation is less accurate and LDL-C concentrations should be determined by ultracentrifugation. In hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDL-C may be low or normal despite elevated Total-C. In such cases Cholestyramine may not be indicated.

Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be determined periodically based on NCEP guidelines to confirm initial and adequate long-term response. A favorable trend in cholesterol reduction should occur during the first month of Cholestyramine therapy. The therapy should be continued to sustain cholesterol reduction. If adequate cholesterol reduction is not attained, increasing the dosage of Cholestyramine or adding other lipid-lowering agents in combination with Cholestyramine should be considered.

Since the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, the NCEP 4 recommends that LDL-C levels be used to initiate and assess treatment response. If LDL-C levels are not available then Total-C alone may be used to monitor long-term therapy. A lipoprotein analysis (including LDL-C determination) should be carried out once a year. The NCEP treatment guidelines are summarized below.

			LDL-Cholesterol mg/dL (mmol/L)
Definite Atherosclerotic Disease*	Two or More Other Risk Factors**	Initiation Level	Goal
NO	NO	Greater Than or Equal to 190 (Greater Than or Equal To 4.9)	Less Than 160 (Less Than 4.1)
NO	YES	Greater Than or Equal To 160 (Greater Than or Equal To 4.1)	Less Than 130 (Less Than 3.4)
YES	YES or NO	Greater Than or Equal To 130 (Greater Than or Equal To 3.4)	Less Than or Equal To 100 (Less Than or Equal To 2.6)

* Coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease (including symptomatic carotid artery disease).
** Other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) include: age (males greater than or equal to 45 years; females greater than or equal to 55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy); family history of premature CHD; current cigarette smoking; hypertension; confirmed HDL-C less than 35 mg/dL (less than 0.91 mmol/L); and diabetes mellitus. Subtract one risk factor if HDL-C is greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL (greater than or equal to 1.6 mmol/L).

Cholestyramine monotherapy has been demonstrated to retard the rate of progression 2,3 and increase the rate of regression3 of coronary atherosclerosis.

2) Cholestyramine for oral suspension is indicated for the relief of pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction. Cholestyramine for oral suspension has been shown to have a variable effect on serum cholesterol in these patients. Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis may exhibit an elevated cholesterol as part of their disease.

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History

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Other Information

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, the chloride salt of a basic anion exchange resin, a cholesterol lowering agent, is intended for oral administration. Cholestyramine resin is quite hydrophilic, but insoluble in water. The cholestyramine resin in Cholestyramine is not absorbed from the digestive tract. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin is contained in 9 grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin is contained in 5 grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light. It is represented by the following structural formula:

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP contains the following inactive ingredients: acacia, citric acid, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, flavor (natural and artificial Orange), polysorbate 80, propylene glycol alginate and sucrose. Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light contains the following inactive ingredients: aspartame, citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, flavor (natural and artificial Orange), maltodextrin, propylene glycol alginate and xanthan gum.

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Cholestyramine Manufacturers

Physicians Total Care, Inc.

Cholestyramine | Physicians Total Care, Inc.

The recommended starting adult dose for all cholestyramine for oral suspension powdered products (Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP and Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light) is one packet or one level scoopful once or twice a day. The recommended maintenance dose for all cholestyramine for oral suspension powdered products is 2 to 4 packets or scoopfuls daily (8-16 grams anhydrous cholestyramine resin) divided into two doses. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin is contained in each measured dose of Cholestyramine as follows:
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP 9 grams Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light 5 grams
It is recommended that increases in dose be gradual with periodic assessment of lipid/lipoprotein levels at intervals of not less than 4 weeks. The maximum recommended daily dose is six packets or scoopfuls of cholestyramine for oral suspension (24 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin). The suggested time of administration is at mealtime but may be modified to avoid interference with absorption of other medications. Although the recommended dosing schedule is twice daily, cholestyramine for oral suspension may be administered in 1–6 doses per day.

Cholestyramine should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix Cholestyramine with water or other fluids before ingesting. See Preparation Instructions.
Concomitant Therapy
Preliminary evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of Cholestyramine on total and LDL-cholesterol are enhanced when combined with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, e.g., pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, and fluvastatin. Additive effects on LDL-cholesterol are also seen with combined nicotinic acid/Cholestyramine therapy. See the Drug Interactions subsection of the PRECAUTIONS section for recommendations on administering concomitant therapy.
PREPARATION
The color of Cholestyramine may vary somewhat from batch to batch but this variation does not affect the performance of the product. Place the contents of one single-dose packet or one level scoopful of Cholestyramine in a glass or cup. Add an amount of water or other noncarbonated beverage of your choice depending on the product being used:
Product Formula Amount of Water or other Non-Carbonated Liquid Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP 2-6 ounces per dose Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light 2-6 ounces per dose
Stir to a uniform consistency and drink.

Cholestyramine may also be mixed with highly fluid soups or pulpy fruits with a high moisture content such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.

No Recall
Golden State Medical Supply, Inc.

Cholestyramine | Golden State Medical Supply, Inc.

The recommended starting adult dose for all cholestyramine for oral suspension powdered products (Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP and Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light) is one packet or one level scoopful once or twice a day. The recommended maintenance dose for all cholestyramine for oral suspension powdered products is 2 to 4 packets or scoopfuls daily (8-16 grams anhydrous cholestyramine resin) divided into two doses. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin is contained in each measured dose of Cholestyramine as follows:
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP 9 grams Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light 5 grams
It is recommended that increases in dose be gradual with periodic assessment of lipid/lipoprotein levels at intervals of not less than 4 weeks. The maximum recommended daily dose is six packets or scoopfuls of cholestyramine for oral suspension (24 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin). The suggested time of administration is at mealtime but may be modified to avoid interference with absorption of other medications. Although the recommended dosing schedule is twice daily, cholestyramine for oral suspension may be administered in 1–6 doses per day.

Cholestyramine should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix Cholestyramine with water or other fluids before ingesting. See Preparation Instructions.
Concomitant Therapy
Preliminary evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of Cholestyramine on total and LDL-cholesterol are enhanced when combined with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, e.g., pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, and fluvastatin. Additive effects on LDL-cholesterol are also seen with combined nicotinic acid/Cholestyramine therapy. See the PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions section for recommendations on administering concomitant therapy.
PREPARATION
The color of Cholestyramine may vary somewhat from batch to batch but this variation does not affect the performance of the product. Place the contents of one single-dose packet or one level scoopful of Cholestyramine in a glass or cup. Add an amount of water or other noncarbonated beverage of your choice depending on the product being used:
Product Formula Amount of Water or other Non-Carbonated Liquid Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP 2-6 ounces per dose Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light 2-6 ounces per dose
Stir to a uniform consistency and drink.

Cholestyramine may also be mixed with highly fluid soups or pulpy fruits with a high moisture content such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.

No Recall
Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Cholestyramine | Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc

Prompt institution of appropriate regimens for care of the burned patient is of prime importance and includes the control of shock and pain. The burn wounds are then cleansed and debrided, and SILVADENE Cream 1% (silver sulfadiazine) is applied under sterile conditions. The burn areas should be covered with SILVADENE Cream 1% at all times. The cream should be applied once to twice daily to a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch. Whenever necessary, the cream should be reapplied to any areas from which it has been removed by patient activity. Administration may be accomplished in minimal time because dressings are not required. However, if individual patient requirements make dressings necessary, they may be used.

Reapply immediately after hydrotherapy.

Treatment with SILVADENE Cream 1% should be continued until satisfactory healing has occurred, or until the burn site is ready for grafting. The drug should not be withdrawn from the therapeutic regimen while there remains the possibility of infection except if a significant adverse reaction occurs.

No Recall
Upsher-smith Laboratories, Inc.

Cholestyramine | Upsher-smith Laboratories, Inc.

The recommended starting adult dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder is 1 pouch or 1 level scoopful (9 grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder contains 4 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin) once or twice a day. The recommended maintenance dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder is 2 to 4 pouches or scoopfuls daily (8 to 16 grams anhydrous cholestyramine resin) divided into two doses. It is recommended that increases in dose be gradual with periodic assessment of lipid/lipoprotein levels at intervals of not less than 4 weeks. The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 pouches or scoopfuls of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder (24 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin). The suggested time of administration is at mealtime but may be modified to avoid interference with absorption of other medications. Although the recommended dosing schedule is twice daily, Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder may be administered in 1 to 6 doses per day.

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix the dry powder with water or other fluids before ingesting. See Preparation Instructions.
Concomitant Therapy
Preliminary evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of cholestyramine on total and LDL-cholesterol are enhanced when combined with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, e.g., pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin. Additive effects on LDL-cholesterol are also seen with combined nicotinic acid/cholestyramine therapy. See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions for recommendations on administering concomitant therapy.
Preparation
The color of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder may vary somewhat from batch to batch but this variation does not affect the performance of the product. Place the contents of one single-dose pouch or one level scoopful of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder in a glass or cup. Add at least 2 to 6 ounces of water or the beverage of your choice. Stir to a uniform consistency.

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP powder may also be mixed with highly fluid soups or pulpy fruits with a high moisture content such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.

No Recall
Eon Labs, Inc.

Cholestyramine | Eon Labs, Inc.

The recommended starting adult dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder is 1 pouch or 1 level scoopful (9 grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder contains 4 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin) once or twice a day. The recommended maintenance dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder is 2 to 4 pouches or scoopfuls daily (8 to 16 grams anhydrous cholestyramine resin) divided into two doses. It is recommended that increases in dose be gradual with periodic assessment of lipid/lipoprotein levels at intervals of not less than 4 weeks. The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 pouches or scoopfuls of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder (24 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin). The suggested time of administration is at mealtime but may be modified to avoid interference with absorption of other medications. Although the recommended dosing schedule is twice daily, Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder may be administered in 1 to 6 doses per day.

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix the dry powder with water or other fluids before ingesting. See Preparation Instructions.
Concomitant Therapy
Preliminary evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of cholestyramine on total and LDL-cholesterol are enhanced when combined with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, e.g., pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin. Additive effects on LDL-cholesterol are also seen with combined nicotinic acid/cholestyramine therapy. See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions for recommendations on administering concomitant therapy.
Preparation
The color of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder may vary somewhat from batch to batch but this variation does not affect the performance of the product. Place the contents of one single-dose pouch or one level scoopful of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder in a glass or cup. Add at least 2 to 6 ounces of water or the beverage of your choice. Stir to a uniform consistency.

Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder may also be mixed with highly fluid soups or pulpy fruits with a high moisture content such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.

No Recall