What is Prevalite
CholestyramineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCholestyramine (also known as Colestyramine) is a medication that binds to bile acids in the gut and prevents them from being absorbed into the body. It is an ion exchange resin that is very water-soluble, but not water-soluble. This drug is used to treat high cholesterol and other conditions involving bile acids.
Cholestyramine Lightis the brand name
Prevalite Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cholestyramine Light
Cholestyramine
1994
47
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Cholestyramine, commonly known as Cholestyramine Light, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses like partial biliary obstruction and Primary Hypercholesterolemia .partial biliary obstruction
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
Hardening of the Arteries
Helps manage Atherosclerosis
Itching
Effectiveness
How Prevalite Affects PatientsCholesterol is the main ingredient used to create bile acids in the body. During digestion, bile acids are released into the intestines, where most of them are absorbed and returned to the liver. However, cholestyramine resin binds to bile acids in the intestines, forming an insoluble complex that is then excreted and not absorbed back into the liver, reducing the amount of bile acids in circulation.
How Prevalite works in the bodyCholestyramine works by preventing bile acids from reabsorbing into your system. It is made out of a special type of resin that exchanges its negatively-charged ions for the anionic bile acids present in your gastrointestinal tract. This resin is held together by a functional group made from quaternary ammonium and styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer.
When to interrupt dosage
The proffered dosage of Prevalite is contingent upon the determined state, including Hardening of the arteries, Itch and Primary Hypercholesterolemia. The amount of dosage fluctuates according to the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Powder, for suspension) as presented in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hardening of the Arteries
4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg/dose, , 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg
Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, , Powder, Powder, for solution, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Kit; Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension - Oral
Itching
4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg/dose, , 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg
Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, , Powder, Powder, for solution, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Kit; Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension - Oral
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg/dose, , 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg
Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, , Powder, Powder, for solution, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Kit; Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension - Oral
partial biliary obstruction
4.0 mg/mg, 4000.0 mg/dose, , 4000.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 400000.0 mg
Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for suspension - Oral, , Powder, Powder, for solution, Kit; Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension, Kit; Powder, Powder - Oral, Powder; Suspension - Oral
Warnings
Prevalite has one contraindication, and thus should not be blended with the ailments listed in the subsequent table.Prevalite ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
complete biliary obstruction
Do Not Combine
Common Prevalite Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Mycophenolate mofetil
Major
Cholestyramine may increase the excretion rate of Mycophenolate mofetil which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.
Mycophenolic acid
Major
Cholestyramine may increase the excretion rate of Mycophenolic acid which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.
Raloxifene
Major
Cholestyramine can cause a decrease in the absorption of Raloxifene resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
(R)-warfarin
Minor
Cholestyramine can cause a decrease in the absorption of (R)-warfarin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
(S)-Warfarin
Minor
Cholestyramine can cause a decrease in the absorption of (S)-Warfarin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Prevalite Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much of this drug may result in a blockage in the stomach or intestines.
Prevalite Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Prevalite?
68 active clinical trials are being conducted to assess the effectiveness of Prevalite in relieving Itch, partial biliary obstruction and Primary Hypercholesterolemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hardening of the Arteries
47 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Itching
13 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
partial biliary obstruction
0 Actively Recruiting
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
15 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Prevalite Reviews: What are patients saying about Prevalite?
5Patient Review
12/31/2015 After my gallbladder was removed, I had really bad diarrhea that made it hard to do anything. Once I started taking Prevalite, everything got better and I could live normally again.
5Patient Review
1/2/2020 This medication is really easy to take and mix with milk. It's helped my diarrhea immensely and has been a complete game-changer for me.
5Patient Review
7/1/2016 The cancer treatment is going well, but I can't afford it. My supplement only covered $78 for 30 packs.
4.7Patient Review
1/7/2013 I had severe problems with diarrhea for several years after my gallbladder was removed. Several doctors told me there was no solution to the problem; my endocrinologist suggested this, and it changed my life. Before, I was apprehensive about eating in a restaurant or going to someone's home for a meal. It has taken a little experimenting to adjust the dosage and frequency, but I've never taken a medication that has made such a difference. Thanks to my wonderful doctor!
4.7Patient Review
6/8/2012 I am currently treating the "dumping syndrome" that can occur after a Gall Bladder removal. This stuff has been working great for me so far. I mix it in orange juice to make the taste and texture more palatable. For the gas, I use charcoal capsules which can be found at health food stores.
4.7Patient Review
8/27/2013 After having my gall bladder removed, I've been on this medication for over five years. It's not the most pleasant experience (I mix it with anything non-carbonated), but it really does wonders! I would never have dreamed of eating or drinking away from home before starting this treatment, but now it's just a part of my life.
4Patient Review
7/20/2022 After struggling with diarrhea for over eight months, I finally found relief in this medication. It took a little getting used to the taste, but it was well worth it!
3.7Patient Review
8/19/2014 The medication was working great for me, but after about 90 days I started to experience severe itching. It gradually got worse and worse until I finally stopped taking the medication three days ago. I'm starting to get some relief from the itching, but it's still not completely gone. I'm going to call my doctor for advice.
3.7Patient Review
2/5/2022 This medication is effective, but the taste is incredibly unpleasant. If you can't stomach it, ask your pharmacist for a different brand that might be more palatable.
3.3Patient Review
12/2/2012 This drug is effective at preventing bile salt diarrhea. However, the taste is not great. I've had better luck with Sandoz Cholestyramine Light in terms of taste.
2Patient Review
5/28/2021 I experienced bowel problems after my Gallbladder surgery, in addition to high cholesterol. This medication gives me terrible heartburn and is difficult to drink; it feels like drinking orange sand. Is there a pill form available?
2Patient Review
5/2/2022 The foam from this is really gross and it tastes terrible. Other brands, like Questran, don't have this problem.
1Patient Review
5/21/2022 The taste of this medication is incredibly bad, to the point where it's hard to mix and consume without gagging. It also led to heartburn, constipation, and other stomach issues. Overall, just a terrible experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone.
1Patient Review
9/10/2014 Prevalite was so incredibly harsh on my throat that I had to stop taking it. Not only did it burn, but I also threw up and got headaches and a stomachache from it.
Patient Q&A Section about prevalite
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are side effects of Prevalite?
"If you experience any of the following side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist: constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, nausea, or vomiting. Prevention methods for constipation include increasing your intake of dietary fiber, drinking enough water, and exercising."
Answered by AI
What is Prevalite used to treat?
"The drug cholestyramine is available in both a generic form and a brand-name form (Prevalite). It comes as a powder that is mixed with a non-carbonated drink or applesauce and taken orally. Cholestyramine is used to treat high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and itching caused by partial bile obstruction."
Answered by AI
Is cholestyramine used to treat diarrhea?
"Cholestyramine powder is most commonly given at a dosage of 4 g per day. The dosage may be increased if needed, but clinical practice suggests that it is often just as effective to give the powder less often, at a dosage of 4 g twice per day."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking cholestyramine?
"Some common gastrointestinal issues include constipation, bloating, stomach pain, gas, and upset stomach. More serious issues can include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite."
Answered by AI