Colestyramine
CLINICAL USE
Hyperlipidaemias Pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction and primary biliary cirrhosisDiarrhoeal disorders
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
Lipid reduction: 12–24 g daily (in single or up to 4 divided doses). Maximum 36 g dailyPruritus: 4–8 g daily Diarrhoeal disorders: 12–24 g daily. Maximum 36 g daily
PHARMACOKINETICS
DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
GFR (mL/MIN)
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsAnticoagulants: effect of coumarins and phenindione may be enhanced or reducedCiclosporin: may interact unpredictably with ciclosporin. Take ciclosporin at least 1 hour before or 4–6 hours after to prevent problems with absorptionLeflunomide: avoid concomitant use Raloxifene, thyroid hormones, bile acids, valproate, cardiac glycosides and mycophenolate mofetil: absorption reduced
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
Mix with water, or a suitable liquid such as fruit juice, and stir to a uniform consistencyMay also be mixed with skimmed milk, thin soups, apple sauce, etc
Route
Oral
Rate of Administration
–
Comments
Do not take in dry form Administer other drugs at least one hour before or 4–6 hours after colestyraminePrepare powder immediately prior to administration
OTHER INFORMATION
Hyperchloraemic acidosis occasionally reported on prolonged use of colestyramineOn chronic use, an increased bleeding tendency may occur associated with vitamin K deficiency