Prevalite Packets

Generic name: Cholestyramine
Drug class: Bile acid sequestrants

Usage of Prevalite Packets

Prevalite Packets is used to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad" cholesterol).

Prevalite Packets is also used to treat itching caused by a blockage in the bile ducts of the gallbladder.

Prevalite Packets may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prevalite Packets side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Prevalite Packets may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

ongoing or worsening constipation;

severe stomach pain;

blood in your urine;

black, bloody, or tarry stools; or

easy bruising, unusual bleeding.

Side effects such as constipation may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Prevalite Packets may include:

mild constipation, diarrhea;

stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite;

bloating or gas;

irritation of your tongue; or

itching or irritation around your rectal area.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Prevalite Packets

You should not use Prevalite Packets if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

a blockage in your biliary tract.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

chronic constipation;

a thyroid disorder;

diabetes;

kidney disease;

liver disease; or

coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using Prevalite Packets if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Taking Prevalite Packets can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. Your doctor may recommend you take a vitamin supplement.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You may have an even greater need for vitamin supplements during pregnancy or while you are breast-feeding a baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking vitamin supplements during treatment with Prevalite Packets.

Relate drugs

How to use Prevalite Packets

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Although Prevalite Packets is usually taken once or twice per day, Prevalite Packets may be taken up to 6 times per day. Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions.

Mix the Prevalite Packets powder with at least 2 to 6 ounces of water or other non-carbonated beverage. You may also mix the powder with a brothy soup, crushed pineapple, or applesauce. Measure the powder using the scoop provided with your medication. Do not use any other scoop or measuring cup to measure your this medicine dose.

Use Prevalite Packets regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Prevalite Packets can affect the surfaces of your teeth. Sipping the this medicine/liquid mixture slowly or holding the liquid in your mouth for too long may result in tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, or tooth decay. Be sure to brush your teeth regularly while you are using this medicine.

Drink extra fluids to prevent constipation while you are taking Prevalite Packets.

While using Prevalite Packets, you may need frequent blood tests.

Prevalite Packets is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

You should not use Prevalite Packets if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

What other drugs will affect Prevalite Packets

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Prevalite Packets, especially:

birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

digoxin (digitalis);

a diuretic or "water pill";

penicillin G;

phenobarbital;

phenylbutazone;

propranolol;

spironolactone;

tetracycline;

thyroid medication such as levothyroxine; or

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cholestyramine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.