Cholestyramine

• The following nutrients or ions may be depleted with long-term use of cholestyramine: beta-carotene, folic acid, calcium, magesium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, D, E, and K. Supplementation, especially with folic acid may be beneficial.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999.
• Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000.
• Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 221-22.
• Probstfield JL, Lin T, Peters J, Hunninghake DB. Carotenoids and vitamin A: The effect of hypocholesterolemic agents on serum levels. Metabolism 1985; 34: 88-91.
• Hoppner K, Lampi B. Bioavailability of folate following ingestion of cholestyramine in the rat. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 61: 130-134, 1991.
• West RJ, Lloyd JK. The effect of cholestyramine on intestinal absorption. Gut 16: 93-98, 1975.
• McKevoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2000.
• AMA Drug Evaluations, 1995 Ann, Chicago, IL, Amer Med Assoc, 1995
• Cholestyramine may cause malabsorption of other drugs/nutritional supplements and should be separated from them by four to six hours.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999.
• Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000.
• The medication should be taken before meals.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999.
• Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000.
• Decrease fat and cholesterol intake while using this drug.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999.
• Consume adequate fluids, especially water, unless otherwise directed.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
• The following herbs may interact with cholestyramine due to the known interaction between anticoagulants and cholestyramine: Angelica, Anise, Arnica, Asafoetida, Bogbean, Boldo, Capsicum, Celery chamomile, Clove, Danshen, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng (Panax), Horse chestnut, Horse radish, Meadowsweet, Prickly ash, Onion, Papain, Turmeric, Wild carrot, Wild lettuce, and Willow.
• Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's handbook of complementary and alternative medicines. First ed. Springhouse: Springhouse Corporation, 1999.
• Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
• Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
• Facts and Comparisons, Review of Natural Products, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000.
• Avoid these herbs with cholestyramine due to possible additive effects: Artichoke plant, fenugreek, garlic and plantain.
• PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Medical Economics Company, 2000
• Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.