- Description
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Indications And Usage
- Contraindications
- Warnings
- Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Overdosage
- Dosage And Administration
- How Supplied
- References
- Cholestyramine
- Actions/clinical Pharmacology
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- Cholestyramine For Oral Suspension, Usp
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- Cholestyramine For Oral Suspension Usp
- Clinical Studies
- Description
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Indications And Usage
- Contraindications
- Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Overdosage
- Dosage And Administration
- How Supplied
- References
- Package/label Principal Display Panel
Description ⮝
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 for oral suspension, USP is not absorbed from the digestive tract. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin is contained in 9 grams of cholestyramine for oral suspension, USP. It is represented by the following structural formula:
Cholestyramine for oral suspension, USP contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, d & c yellow # 10 aluminum lake, flavor (natural and artificial orange, natural and artificial vanilla), fd & c yellow # 6 aluminum lake, propylene glycol alginate, sucrose and xanthan gum.
Clinical Pharmacology ⮝
Cholesterol is probably the sole precursor of bile acids. During normal digestion, bile acids are secreted into the intestines. A major portion of the bile acids is absorbed from the intestinal tract and returned to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation. Only very small amounts of bile acids are found in normal serum.
Cholestyramine resin adsorbs and combines with the bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex which is excreted in the feces. This results in a partial removal of bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation by preventing their absorption.
The increased fecal loss of bile acids due to cholestyramine resin administration leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids, a decrease in beta lipoprotein or low density lipoprotein plasma levels and a decrease in serum cholesterol levels. Although in man, cholestyramine resin produces an increase in hepatic synthesis of cholesterol, plasma cholesterol levels fall.
In patients with partial biliary obstruction, the reduction of serum bile acid levels by cholestyramine resin reduces excess bile acids deposited in the dermal tissue with resultant decrease in pruritus.
Clinical Studies
In a large, placebo-controlled, multi-clinic study, LRC-CPPT1, hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with cholestyramine resin had mean reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) which exceeded those for diet and placebo treatment by 7.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Over the seven-year study period the cholestyramine resin group experienced a 19% reduction (relative to the incidence in the placebo group) in the combined rate of coronary heart disease death plus non-fatal myocardial infarction (cumulative incidence of 7% cholestyramine resin and 8.6% placebo). The subjects included in the study were men aged 35 to 59 with serum cholesterol levels above 265 mg/dL and no previous history of heart disease. It is not clear to what extent these findings can be extrapolated to females and other segments of the hypercholesterolemic population (see also PRECAUTIONS, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility).
Two controlled clinical trials have examined the effects of cholestyramine monotherapy upon coronary atherosclerotic lesions using coronary arteriography. In the NHLBI Type II Coronary Intervention Trial2, 116 patients (80% male) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented by arteriography were randomized to cholestyramine resin or placebo for five years of treatment. Final study arteriography revealed progression of coronary artery disease in 49% of placebo patients compared to 32% of the cholestyramine resin group (p<0.05).
In the St. Thomas Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS)3, 90 hypercholesterolemic men with CAD were randomized to three blinded treatments: usual care, lipid-lowering diet and lipid-lowering diet plus cholestyramine resin. After 36 months, follow-up coronary arteriography revealed progression of disease in 46% of usual care patients, 15% of patients on lipid-lowering diet and 12% of those receiving diet plus cholestyramine resin (p<0.02). The mean absolute width of coronary segments decreased in the usual care group, increased slightly (0.003 mm) in the diet group and increased by 0.103 mm in the diet plus cholestyramine group (p<0.05). Thus in these randomized controlled clinical trials using coronary arteriography, cholestyramine resin monotherapy has been demonstrated to slow progression2,3 and promote regression3 of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries of patients with coronary artery disease.
The effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerosis has been assessed by arteriography in hyperlipidemic patients. In these randomized, controlled clinical trials, patients were treated for two to four years by either conventional measures (diet, placebo or in some cases low dose resin) or intensive combination therapy using diet plus colestipol (an anion exchange resin with a mechanism of action and an effect on serum lipids similar to that of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension) plus either nicotinic acid or lovastatin. When compared to conventional measures, intensive lipid-lowering combination therapy significantly reduced the frequency of progression and increased the frequency of regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions in patients with or at risk for coronary artery disease.
Indications And Usage ⮝
1) Cholestyramine for oral suspension 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 for oral suspension 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 for oral suspension 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 (< 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 for oral suspension 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 for oral suspension therapy. The therapy should be continued to sustain cholesterol reduction. If adequate cholesterol reduction is not attained, increasing the dosage of cholestyramine for oral suspension or adding other lipid-lowering agents in combination with cholestyramine for oral suspension should be considered.
Since the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, the NCEP4 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.
*Coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease (including symptomatic carotid artery disease).
**Other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) include: age (males 45 years; females 55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy); family history of premature CHD; current cigarette smoking; hypertension; confirmed HDL-C < 35 mg/dL (< 0.91 mmol/L); and diabetes mellitus. Subtract one risk factor if HDL-C is 60 mg/dL ( 1.6 mmol/L).
LDL-Cholesterol
mg/dL (mmol/ L)
Definite
Atherosclerotic
Disease*
Two or More Other Risk Factors**
Initiation
Level
Goal
NO
NO
190
( 4.9)
< 160
(< 4.1)
NO
YES
160
( 4.1)
< 130
(< 3.4)
YES
YES OR NO
130
( 3.4)
100
( 2.6)
Cholestyramine for oral suspension monotherapy has been demonstrated to retard the rate of progression2,3 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.
Contraindications ⮝
Cholestyramine for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with complete biliary obstruction where bile is not secreted into the intestine and in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Warnings ⮝
PHENYLKETONURICS: CHOLESTYRAMINE FOR ORAL SUSPENSION USP LIGHT POWDER CONTAINS 28 MG PHENYLALANINE PER 5.5 GRAM DOSE.
Precautions ⮝
General
Chronic use of cholestyramine for oral suspension may be associated with increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with Vitamin K deficiency. This will usually respond promptly to parenteral Vitamin K1 and recurrences can be prevented by oral administration of Vitamin K1. Reduction of serum or red cell folate has been reported over long term administration of cholestyramine for oral suspension. Supplementation with folic acid should be considered in these cases.
There is a possibility that prolonged use of cholestyramine for oral suspension, since it is a chloride form of anion exchange resin, may produce hyperchloremic acidosis. This would especially be true in younger and smaller patients where the relative dosage may be higher. Caution should also be exercised in patients with renal insufficiency or volume depletion, and in patients receiving concomitant spironolactone.
Cholestyramine for oral suspension may produce or worsen pre-existing constipation. The dosage should be increased gradually in patients to minimize the risk of developing fecal impaction. In patients with pre-existing constipation, the starting dose should be 1 pouch or 1 scoop once daily for 5 to7 days, increasing to twice daily with monitoring of constipation and of serum lipoproteins, at least twice, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Increased fluid intake and fiber intake should be encouraged to alleviate constipation and a stool softener may occasionally be indicated. If the initial dose is well tolerated, the dose may be increased as needed by one dose/day (at monthly intervals) with periodic monitoring of serum lipoproteins.
If constipation worsens or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at one to six doses/day, combination therapy or alternate therapy should be considered. Particular effort should be made to avoid constipation in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Constipation associated with cholestyramine for oral suspension may aggravate hemorrhoids.
Information for Patients
Inform your physician if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Drink plenty of fluids and mix each 9 gram dose of cholestyramine for oral suspension in at least 2 to 6 ounces of fluid before taking. Sipping or holding the resin suspension in the mouth for prolonged periods may lead to changes in the surface of the teeth resulting in discoloration, erosion of enamel or decay; good oral hygiene should be maintained.
Laboratory Tests
Serum cholesterol levels should be determined frequently during the first few months of therapy and periodically thereafter. Serum triglyceride levels should be measured periodically to detect whether significant changes have occurred.
The LRC-CPPT showed a dose-related increase in serum triglycerides of 10.7% to 17.1% in the cholestyramine-treated group, compared with an increase of 7.9% to 11.7% in the placebo group. Based on the mean values and adjusting for the placebo group, the cholestyramine-treated group showed an increase of 5% over pre-entry levels the first year of the study and an increase of 4.3% the seventh year.
Drug Interactions
Cholestyramine for oral suspension may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication such as phenylbutazone, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (acidic), or propranolol (basic), as well as tetracycline, penicillin G, phenobarbital, thyroid and thyroxine preparations, estrogens and progestins, and digitalis. Interference with the absorption of oral phosphate supplements has been observed with another positively-charged bile acid sequestrant. Cholestyramine for oral suspension may interfere with the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo enterohepatic circulation. The discontinuance of cholestyramine for oral suspension could pose a hazard to health if a potentially toxic drug such as digitalis has been titrated to a maintenance level while the patient was taking cholestyramine for oral suspension.
Because cholestyramine binds bile acids, cholestyramine for oral suspension may interfere with normal fat digestion and absorption and thus may prevent absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. When cholestyramine for oral suspension is given for long periods of time, concomitant supplementation with water-miscible (or parenteral) forms of fat-soluble vitamins should be considered.
SINCE CHOLESTYRAMINE FOR ORAL SUSPENSION MAY BIND OTHER DRUGS GIVEN CONCURRENTLY, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PATIENTS TAKE OTHER DRUGS AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE OR 4 TO 6 HOURS AFTER CHOLESTYRAMINE FOR ORAL SUSPENSION (OR AT AS GREAT AN INTERVAL AS POSSIBLE) TO AVOID IMPEDING THEIR ABSORPTION.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,Impairment of Fertility
In studies conducted in rats in which cholestyramine resin was used as a tool to investigate the role of various intestinal factors, such as fat, bile salts and microbial flora, in the development of intestinal tumors induced by potent carcinogens, the incidence of such tumors was observed to be greater in cholestyramine resin-treated rats than in control rats.
The relevance of this laboratory observation from studies in rats to the clinical use of cholestyramine for oral suspension is not known. In the LRC-CPPT study referred to above, the total incidence of fatal and nonfatal neoplasms was similar in both treatment groups. When the many different categories of tumors are examined, various alimentary system cancers were somewhat more prevalent in the cholestyramine group. The small numbers and the multiple categories prevent conclusions from being drawn. However, in view of the fact that cholestyramine resin is confined to the GI tract and not absorbed, and in light of the animal experiments referred to above, a six-year post-trial follow-up of the LRC-CPPT5 patient population has been completed (a total of 13.4 years of in-trial plus post-trial follow- up) and revealed no significant difference in the incidence of cause-specific mortality or cancer morbidity between cholestyramine and placebo treated patients.
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of cholestyramine for oral suspension in pregnancy or lactation or by women of childbearing age requires that the potential benefits of drug therapy be weighed against the possible hazards to the mother and child. Cholestyramine for oral suspension is not absorbed systemically, however, it is known to interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; accordingly, regular prenatal supplementation may not be adequate (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions).
Nursing Mothers
Caution should be exercised when cholestyramine for oral suspension is administered to a nursing mother. The possible lack of proper vitamin absorption described in the "Pregnancy" section may have an effect on nursing infants.
Pediatric Use
Although an optimal dosage schedule has not been established, standard texts(6,7) list a usual pediatric dose of 240 mg/kg/day of anhydrous cholestyramine resin in two to three divided doses, normally not to exceed 8 gm/day with dose titration based on response and tolerance.
In calculating pediatric dosages, 44.4 mg of anhydrous cholestyramine resin are contained in 100 mg of cholestyramine for oral suspension.
The effects of long-term administration, as well as its effect in maintaining lowered cholesterol levels in pediatric patients, are unknown. (Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS.)
Adverse Reactions ⮝
The most common adverse reaction is constipation. When used as a cholesterol-lowering agent predisposing factors for most complaints of constipation are high dose and increased age (more than 60 years old). Most instances of constipation are mild, transient, and controlled with conventional therapy. Some patients require a temporary decrease in dosage or discontinuation of therapy.
Less Frequent Adverse Reactions
Abdominal discomfort and/or pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eructation, anorexia, and steatorrhea, bleeding tendencies due to hypoprothrombinemia (Vitamin K deficiency) as well as Vitamin A (one case of night blindness reported) and D deficiencies, hyperchloremic acidosis in children, osteoporosis, rash and irritation of the skin, tongue and perianal area. Rare reports of intestinal obstruction, including two deaths, have been reported in pediatric patients.
Occasional calcified material has been observed in the biliary tree, including calcification of the gallbladder, in patients to whom cholestyramine for oral suspension has been given. However, this may be a manifestation of the liver disease and not drug related.
One patient experienced biliary colic on each of three occasions on which he took cholestyramine for oral suspension. One patient diagnosed as acute abdominal symptom complex was found to have a "pasty mass" in the transverse colon on x-ray.
Other events (not necessarily drug related) reported in patients taking cholestyramine for oral suspension include
Gastrointestinal
GI-rectal bleeding, black stools, hemorrhoidal bleeding, bleeding from known duodenal ulcer, dysphagia, hiccups, ulcer attack, sour taste, pancreatitis, rectal pain, diverticulitis.
Laboratory test changes
Liver function abnormalities.
Hematologic
Prolonged prothrombin time, ecchymosis, anemia.
Hypersensitivity
Urticaria, asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath.
Musculoskeletal
Backache, muscle and joint pains, arthritis.
Neurologic
Headache, anxiety, vertigo, dizziness, fatigue, tinnitus, syncope, drowsiness, femoral nerve pain, paresthesia.
Eye
Uveitis.
Renal
Hematuria, dysuria, burnt odor to urine, diuresis.
Miscellaneous
Weight loss, weight gain, increased libido, swollen glands, edema, dental bleeding, dental caries, erosion of tooth enamel, tooth discoloration.
Overdosage ⮝
Overdosage with cholestyramine for oral suspension has been reported in a patient taking 150% of the maximum recommended daily dosage for a period of several weeks. No ill effects were reported. Should an overdosage occur, the chief potential harm would be obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. The location of such potential obstruction, the degree of obstruction, and the presence or absence of normal gut motility would determine treatment.
Dosage And Administration ⮝
The recommended starting adult dose for cholestyramine for oral suspension is one pouch or one level scoopful once or twice a day. The recommended maintenance dose for cholestyramine for oral suspension is 2 to 4 pouches or scoopfuls daily (8 to 16 grams anhydrous cholestyramine resin) divided into two doses. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin is contained in each measured dose of cholestyramine for oral suspension as follows:
Cholestyramine for oral suspension 9 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 pouches 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 to 6 doses per day.
Cholestyramine for oral suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix cholestyramine for oral suspension with water or other fluids before ingesting. See Preparation Instructions.
Concomitant Therapy
Preliminary evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of cholestyramine for oral suspension 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 for oral suspension therapy. See the Drug Interactions subsection of the PRECAUTIONS section for recommendations on administering concomitant therapy.
PREPARATION
The color of cholestyramine for oral suspension 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 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
2 to 6 ounces per dose
Stir to a uniform consistency and drink.
Cholestyramine for oral suspension may also be mixed with highly fluid soups or pulpy fruits with a high moisture content such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.
How Supplied ⮝
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP is available in cans containing 378 grams and in cartons of sixty 9 gram pouches. Four grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin are contained in 9 grams of cholestyramine for oral suspension, USP. The 378 grams can includes a 15 cc scoop. The scoop is not interchangeable with scoops from other products.
NDC 70771-1105-1 Can, 378 grams
NDC 70771-1105-2 Carton of 60, 9 grams pouches
Storage
Store between 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
References ⮝
- The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trials Results: (I) Reduction in Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease; (II) The Relationship of Reduction in Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease to Cholesterol Lowering. JAMA 1984; 251:351-374.
- Brensike JF, Levy RI, Kelsey SF, et al. Effects of therapy with cholestyramine on progression of coronary arteriosclerosis: results of the NHLBI type II coronary intervention study. Circulation 1984;69:313-24.
- Watts, GF, Lewis B, Brunt JNH Lewis ES, et al. Effects on coronary artery disease of lipid-lowering diet, or diet plus cholestyramine. In the St. Thomas Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS). Lancet 1992;339:563-69.
- National Cholesterol Education Program. Second Report of the Expert Panel Detection. Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel II). Circulation 1994 Mar; 89(3):1333-445.
- The Lipid Research Clinics Investigators. The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial: Results of 6 Years of Post-Trial Follow-up. Arch Intern Med 1992; 152:1399-1410.
- Behrman RE et al (eds): Nelson, Textbook of Pediatrics, ed 15. Philadelphia, PA WB Saunders Company, 1996.
- Takemoto CK et al (eds): Pediatric Dosage Handbook, ed 3. Cleveland/Akron, OH, Lexi-Comp, Inc., 1996-1997.
Cadila Healthcare Ltd.
Baddi, India
Rev: 09/19
Cholestyramine ⮝
CHOLESTYRAMINE
cholestyramine powder, for suspension
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:50090-3845(NDC:68382-529) Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CHOLESTYRAMINE (UNII: 4B33BGI082) (CHOLESTYRAMINE - UNII:4B33BGI082) CHOLESTYRAMINE 4 g in 5.5 g
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL) ASPARTAME (UNII: Z0H242BBR1) D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G) FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8) MANNITOL (UNII: 3OWL53L36A) ORANGE (UNII: 5EVU04N5QU) PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE (UNII: 26CD3J2R0C) SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4) VANILLA (UNII: Q74T35078H) XANTHAN GUM (UNII: TTV12P4NEE)
Product Characteristics Color YELLOW (whitish yellow) Score Shape Size Flavor VANILLA (VANILA) , ORANGE (ORANGE) Imprint Code Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:50090-3845-0 60 in 1 CARTON 11/19/2018 1 5.5 g in 1 POUCH; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA202902 06/08/2017
Labeler - A-S Medication Solutions (830016429)
Establishment Name Address ID/FEI Business Operations A-S Medication Solutions 830016429 RELABEL(50090-3845) Revised: 12/2018 Document Id: 797b62fa-66a7-4292-92df-291fda5ad173 Set id: e7443ed0-6fbc-47bd-898d-0d990546536c Version: 1 Effective Time: 20181205 A-S Medication Solutions
Actions/clinical Pharmacology ⮝
Cholesterol is probably the sole precursor of bile acids. During normal digestion, bile acids are secreted into the intestines. A major portion of the bile acids is absorbed from the intestinal tract and returned to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation. Only very small amounts of bile acids are found in normal serum.
Cholestyramine for oral suspension resin adsorbs and combines with the bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex which is excreted in the feces. This results in a partial removal of bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation by preventing their absorption.
The increased fecal loss of bile acids due to cholestyramine for oral suspension administration leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids, a decrease in beta lipoprotein or low density lipoprotein plasma levels and a decrease in serum cholesterol levels. Although in man, cholestyramine for oral suspension produces an increase in hepatic synthesis of cholesterol, plasma cholesterol levels fall.
In patients with partial biliary obstruction, the reduction of serum bile acid levels by cholestyramine for oral suspension reduces excess bile acids deposited in the dermal tissue with resultant decrease in pruritus.
Clinical Studies
In a large, placebo-controlled, multi-clinic study, LRC-CPPT1, hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with cholestyramine for oral suspension had mean reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) which exceeded those for diet and placebo treatment by 7.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Over the seven-year study period the cholestyramine for oral suspension group experienced a 19% reduction (relative to the incidence in the placebo group) in the combined rate of coronary heart disease death plus non-fatal myocardial infarction (cumulative incidences of 7% cholestyramine for oral suspension and 8.6% placebo). The subjects included in the study were men aged 35 to 59 with serum cholesterol levels above 265 mg/dL and no previous history of heart disease. It is not clear to what extent these findings can be extrapolated to females and other segments of the hypercholesterolemic population. (see also PRECAUTIONS: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility.)
Two controlled clinical trials have examined the effects of cholestyramine for oral suspension monotherapy upon coronary atherosclerotic lesions using coronary arteriography. In the NHLBI Type II Coronary Intervention Trial2, 116 patients (80% male) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented by arteriography were randomized to cholestyramine for oral suspension or placebo for five years of treatment. Final study arteriography revealed progression of coronary artery disease in 49% of placebo patients compared to 32% of the cholestyramine for oral suspension group (p < 0.05).
In the St. Thomas Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS)3, 90 hypercholesterolemic men with CAD were randomized to three blinded treatments: usual care, lipid-lowering diet, and lipid-lowering diet plus cholestyramine for oral suspension. After 36 months, follow-up coronary arteriography revealed progression of disease in 46% of usual care patients, 15% of patients on lipid-lowering diet and 12% of those receiving diet plus cholestyramine for oral suspension (p < 0.02). The mean absolute width of coronary segments decreased in the usual care group, increased slightly (0.003mm) in the diet group and increased by 0.103mm in the diet plus cholestyramine for oral suspension group (p < 0.05). Thus in these randomized controlled clinical trials using coronary arteriography, cholestyramine for oral suspension monotherapy has been demonstrated to slow progression2,3 and promote regression3 of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries of patients with coronary artery disease.
The effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerosis has been assessed by arteriography in hyperlipidemic patients. In these randomized, controlled clinical trials, patients were treated for two to four years by either conventional measures (diet, placebo, or in some cases low dose resin), or intensive combination therapy using diet plus colestipol (an anion exchange resin with a mechanism of action and an effect on serum lipids similar to that of cholestyramine for oral suspension) plus either nicotinic acid or lovastatin. When compared to conventional measures, intensive lipid-lowering combination therapy significantly reduced the frequency of progression and increased the frequency of regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions in patients with or at risk for coronary artery disease.
Principal Display Panel, 210 G Label - Light ⮝
CHOLESTYRAMINE
cholestyramine powder, for suspension
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:49884-465 Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CHOLESTYRAMINE (UNII: 4B33BGI082) (CHOLESTYRAMINE - UNII:4B33BGI082) CHOLESTYRAMINE 4 g in 9 g
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength ACACIA (UNII: 5C5403N26O) ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL) D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G) FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8) POLYSORBATE 80 (UNII: 6OZP39ZG8H) PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE (UNII: 26CD3J2R0C) SUCROSE (UNII: C151H8M554)
Product Characteristics Color Score Shape Size Flavor ORANGE Imprint Code Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:49884-465-65 60 in 1 CARTON 09/15/2005 1 NDC:49884-465-64 9 g in 1 PACKET; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 2 NDC:49884-465-66 378 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 09/15/2005
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA077204 09/15/2005
CHOLESTYRAMINE
cholestyramine powder, for suspension
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:49884-466 Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CHOLESTYRAMINE (UNII: 4B33BGI082) (CHOLESTYRAMINE - UNII:4B33BGI082) CHOLESTYRAMINE 4 g in 5 g
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength ASPARTAME (UNII: Z0H242BBR1) ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL) D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G) FD&C RED NO. 40 (UNII: WZB9127XOA) MALTODEXTRIN (UNII: 7CVR7L4A2D) PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE (UNII: 26CD3J2R0C) XANTHAN GUM (UNII: TTV12P4NEE)
Product Characteristics Color Score Shape Size Flavor ORANGE Imprint Code Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:49884-466-65 60 in 1 CARTON 09/15/2005 1 NDC:49884-466-63 5 g in 1 PACKET; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 2 NDC:49884-466-67 210 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 09/15/2005
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA077203 09/15/2005
Labeler - Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. (092733690) Revised: 10/2018 Document Id: da4a1809-442b-41a2-b648-2cba550274a6 Set id: b0c65058-22c3-4f57-9b61-9bc6fcd6e240 Version: 9 Effective Time: 20181026 Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Package Label.principal Display Panel ⮝
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP Powder, 4 gm
Rx only
378 gm
ZYDUS
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP Powder, 4 gm
Rx only
60 pouch
ZYDUS
CHOLESTYRAMINE
cholestyramine powder, for suspension
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:70771-1105 Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CHOLESTYRAMINE (UNII: 4B33BGI082) (CHOLESTYRAMINE - UNII:4B33BGI082) CHOLESTYRAMINE 4 g in 9 g
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G) FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8) ORANGE (UNII: 5EVU04N5QU) SUCROSE (UNII: C151H8M554) ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL) XANTHAN GUM (UNII: TTV12P4NEE) PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE (UNII: 26CD3J2R0C) VANILLA (UNII: Q74T35078H)
Product Characteristics Color Score Shape Size Flavor ORANGE (ORANGE) , VANILLA (VANILLA) Imprint Code Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:70771-1105-1 378 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 08/01/2018 2 NDC:70771-1105-2 60 in 1 CARTON 08/01/2018 2 9 g in 1 POUCH; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA202901 08/01/2018
Labeler - Cadila Healthcare Limited (918596198)
Registrant - Cadila Healthcare Limited (918596198)
Establishment Name Address ID/FEI Business Operations Cadila Healthcare Limited 677605858 ANALYSIS(70771-1105) , MANUFACTURE(70771-1105) Revised: 9/2019 Document Id: d7c8f0f8-2920-4a2a-9ad2-642e4d2a5f2f Set id: a86715e3-741f-47c6-9682-1413f0f8ff0c Version: 2 Effective Time: 20190906 Cadila Healthcare Limited
Cholestyramine For Oral Suspension, Usp ⮝
Rx only
Principal Display Panel ⮝
NDC 0185-0940-97
Rx only
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension, USP Powder
4 grams cholestyramine resin, USP per scoopful.*
Sandoz
Orange Flavor
CONTENTS: 378 g
(168 g CHOLESTYRAMINE RESIN, USP)
CHOLESTYRAMINE
cholestyramine powder, for suspension
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:0185-0940 Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CHOLESTYRAMINE (UNII: 4B33BGI082) (CHOLESTYRAMINE - UNII:4B33BGI082) CHOLESTYRAMINE 4 g in 9 g
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL) D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G) FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8) FRUCTOSE (UNII: 6YSS42VSEV) AMMONIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE (UNII: 3VRD35U26C) ORANGE (UNII: 5EVU04N5QU) PECTIN (UNII: 89NA02M4RX) PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE (UNII: 26CD3J2R0C) SORBITOL (UNII: 506T60A25R) SUCROSE (UNII: C151H8M554) XANTHAN GUM (UNII: TTV12P4NEE)
Product Characteristics Color YELLOW (yellowish/orange) Score Shape Size Flavor ORANGE Imprint Code Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:0185-0940-97 378 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 08/15/1996 2 NDC:0185-0940-98 60 in 1 CARTON 08/15/1996 2 9 g in 1 POUCH; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA074557 08/15/1996
Labeler - Eon Labs, Inc. (012656273) Revised: 4/2018 Document Id: 3d5c5ff3-c42c-4fd8-a208-43b5e42c3eed Set id: 9269d9ba-d791-4865-8a39-abd1733d79bd Version: 7 Effective Time: 20180419 Eon Labs, Inc.
Cholestyramine For Oral Suspension Usp ⮝
Rx only
Clinical Studies ⮝
In a large, placebo-controlled, multi-clinic study, LRC-CPPT 1, hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with Cholestyramine had mean reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) which exceeded those for diet and placebo treatment by 7.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Over the seven-year study period the Cholestyramine group experienced a 19% reduction (relative to the incidence in the placebo group) in the combined rate of coronary heart disease death plus non-fatal myocardial infarction (cumulative incidences of 7% Cholestyramine and 8.6% placebo). The subjects included in the study were men aged 35 59 with serum cholesterol levels above 265 mg/dL and no previous history of heart disease. It is not clear to what extent these findings can be extrapolated to females and other segments of the hypercholesterolemic population. (See also PRECAUTIONS: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility.)
Two controlled clinical trials have examined the effects of Cholestyramine monotherapy upon coronary atherosclerotic lesions using coronary arteriography. In the NHLBI Type II Coronary Intervention Trial 2, 116 patients (80% male) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented by arteriography were randomized to Cholestyramine or placebo for five years of treatment. Final study arteriography revealed progression of coronary artery disease in 49% of placebo patients compared to 32% of the Cholestyramine group (p less than 0.05).
In the St. Thomas Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS) 3, 90 hypercholesterolemic men with CAD were randomized to three blinded treatments: usual care, lipid-lowering diet, and lipid-lowering diet plus Cholestyramine. After 36 months, follow-up coronary arteriography revealed progression of disease in 46% of usual care patients, 15% of patients on lipid-lowering diet and 12% of those receiving diet plus Cholestyramine (p less than 0.02). The mean absolute width of coronary segments decreased in the usual care group, increased slightly (0.003mm) in the diet group and increased by 0.103mm in the diet plus Cholestyramine group (p less than 0.05). Thus in these randomized controlled clinical trials using coronary arteriography, Cholestyramine monotherapy has been demonstrated to slow progression 2,3 and promote regression3 of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries of patients with coronary artery disease.
The effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerosis has been assessed by arteriography in hyperlipidemic patients. In these randomized, controlled clinical trials, patients were treated for two to four years by either conventional measures (diet, placebo, or in some cases low dose resin), or intensive combination therapy using diet plus colestipol (an anion exchange resin with a mechanism of action and an effect on serum lipids similar to that of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP and Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP, Light) plus either nicotinic acid or lovastatin. When compared to conventional measures, intensive lipid-lowering combination therapy significantly reduced the frequency of progression and increased the frequency of regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions in patients with or at risk for coronary artery disease.
Description ⮝
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder, 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. Cholestyramine resin is not absorbed from the digestive tract. Nine grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder contain 4 grams of cholestyramine resin. It is represented by the following structural formula:
Representation of structure of main polymeric groupsThis product contains the following inactive ingredients: acacia, citric acid (anhydrous), D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, flavor (natural orange), polysorbate 80, propylene glycol alginate and sucrose.
Clinical Pharmacology ⮝
Cholesterol is probably the sole precursor of bile acids. During normal digestion, bile acids are secreted into the intestines. A major portion of the bile acids is absorbed from the intestinal tract and returned to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation. Only very small amounts of bile acids are found in normal serum.
Cholestyramine resin adsorbs and combines with the bile acids in the intestine to form an insoluble complex which is excreted in the feces. This results in a partial removal of bile acids from the enterohepatic circulation by preventing their absorption.
The increased fecal loss of bile acids due to cholestyramine resin administration leads to an increased oxidation of cholesterol to bile acids, a decrease in beta lipoprotein or low density lipoprotein plasma levels and a decrease in serum cholesterol levels. Although in man, cholestyramine resin produces an increase in hepatic synthesis of cholesterol, plasma cholesterol levels fall.
In patients with partial biliary obstruction, the reduction of serum bile acid levels by cholestyramine resin reduces excess bile acids deposited in the dermal tissue with resultant decrease in pruritus.
Clinical Studies
In a large, placebo-controlled, multi-clinic study, LRC-CPPT1, hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with cholestyramine resin had mean reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) which exceeded those for diet and placebo treatment by 7.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Over the seven-year study period the cholestyramine resin group experienced a 19% reduction (relative to the incidence in the placebo group) in the combined rate of coronary heart disease death plus non-fatal myocardial infarction (cumulative incidences of 7% cholestyramine resin and 8.6% placebo). The subjects included in the study were men aged 35 to 59 with serum cholesterol levels above 265 mg/dL and no previous history of heart disease. It is not clear to what extent these findings can be extrapolated to females and other segments of the hypercholesterolemic population (see also PRECAUTIONS, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility).
Two controlled clinical trials have examined the effects of cholestyramine monotherapy upon coronary atherosclerotic lesions using coronary arteriography. In the NHLBI Type II Coronary Intervention Trial2, 116 patients (80% male) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented by arteriography were randomized to cholestyramine resin or placebo for five years of treatment. Final study arteriography revealed progression of coronary artery disease in 49% of placebo patients compared to 32% of the cholestyramine resin group (p<0.05).
In the St. Thomas Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS)3, 90 hypercholesterolemic men with CAD were randomized to three blinded treatments: usual care, lipid-lowering diet and lipid-lowering diet plus cholestyramine resin. After 36 months, follow-up coronary arteriography revealed progression of disease in 46% of usual care patients, 15% of patients on lipid-lowering diet and 12% of those receiving diet plus cholestyramine resin (p<0.02). The mean absolute width of coronary segments decreased in the usual care group, increased slightly (0.003 mm) in the diet group and increased by 0.103 mm in the diet plus cholestyramine group (p<0.05). Thus in these randomized controlled clinical trials using coronary arteriography, cholestyramine resin monotherapy has been demonstrated to slow progression2,3 and promote regression3 of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries of patients with coronary artery disease.
The effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerosis has been assessed by arteriography in hyperlipidemic patients. In these randomized, controlled clinical trials, patients were treated for two to four years by either conventional measures (diet, placebo, or in some cases low dose resin) or intensive combination therapy using diet plus colestipol (an anion exchange resin with a mechanism of action and an effect on serum lipids similar to that of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension) plus either nicotinic acid or lovastatin. When compared to conventional measures, intensive lipid-lowering combination therapy significantly reduced the frequency of progression and increased the frequency of regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions in patients with or at risk for coronary artery disease.
Indications And Usage ⮝
1) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder 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 for Oral Suspension USP powder 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 resin, 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 (<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 resin 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 resin therapy. The therapy should be continued to sustain cholesterol reduction. If adequate cholesterol reduction is not attained, increasing the dosage of cholestyramine resin or adding other lipid-lowering agents in combination with cholestyramine resin should be considered.
Since the goal of treatment is to lower LDL-C, the NCEP4 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
190 ( 4.9)
<160 (<4.1)
No
Yes
160 ( 4.1)
<130 (<3.4)
Yes
Yes or No
130 ( 3.4)
100 ( 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 45 years; females: 55 years or premature menopause without estrogen replacement therapy); family history of premature CHD; current cigarette smoking; hypertension; confirmed HDL-C <35 mg/dL (<0.91 mmol/L); and diabetes mellitus. Subtract one risk factor if HDL-C is 60 mg/dL ( 1.6 mmol/L).Cholestyramine resin monotherapy has been demonstrated to retard the rate of progression2,3 and increase the rate of regression3 of coronary atherosclerosis.
2) Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder is indicated for the relief of pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction. Cholestyramine resin 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.
Contraindications ⮝
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder is contraindicated in patients with complete biliary obstruction where bile is not secreted into the intestine and in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Precautions ⮝
General
Chronic use of cholestyramine resin may be associated with increased bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia associated with Vitamin K deficiency. This will usually respond promptly to parenteral Vitamin K1 and recurrences can be prevented by oral administration of Vitamin K1. Reduction of serum or red cell folate has been reported over long term administration of cholestyramine resin. Supplementation with folic acid should be considered in these cases.
There is a possibility that prolonged use of cholestyramine resin, since it is a chloride form of anion exchange resin, may produce hyperchloremic acidosis. This would especially be true in younger and smaller patients where the relative dosage may be higher. Caution should also be exercised in patients with renal insufficiency or volume depletion, and in patients receiving concomitant spironolactone.
Cholestyramine resin may produce or worsen preexisting constipation. The dosage should be increased gradually in patients to minimize the risk of developing fecal impaction. In patients with preexisting constipation, the starting dose should be 1 packet or 1 scoop once daily for 5 to 7 days, increasing to twice daily with monitoring of constipation and of serum lipoproteins, at least twice, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Increased fluid intake and fiber intake should be encouraged to alleviate constipation and a stool softener may occasionally be indicated. If the initial dose is well tolerated, the dose may be increased as needed by one dose/day (at monthly intervals) with periodic monitoring of serum lipoproteins. If constipation worsens or the desired therapeutic response is not achieved at one to six doses/day, combination therapy or alternate therapy should be considered. Particular effort should be made to avoid constipation in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Constipation associated with cholestyramine resin may aggravate hemorrhoids.
Information for Patients
Inform your physician if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Drink plenty of fluids and mix each 9 gram dose of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension in at least 2 to 6 ounces of fluid before taking. Sipping or holding the resin suspension in the mouth for prolonged periods may lead to changes in the surface of the teeth resulting in discoloration, erosion of enamel or decay, good oral hygiene should be maintained.
Laboratory Tests
Serum cholesterol levels should be determined frequently during the first few months of therapy and periodically thereafter. Serum triglyceride levels should be measured periodically to detect whether significant changes have occurred.
The LRC-CPPT showed a dose-related increase in serum triglycerides of 10.7% to 17.1% in the cholestyramine-treated group, compared with an increase of 7.9% to 11.7% in the placebo group. Based on the mean values and adjusting for the placebo group, the cholestyramine-treated group showed an increase of 5% over pre-entry levels the first year of the study and an increase of 4.3% the seventh year.
Drug Interactions
Cholestyramine resin may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication such as phenylbutazone, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (acidic), or propranolol (basic), as well as tetracycline, penicillin G, phenobarbital, thyroid and thyroxine preparations, estrogens and progestins, and digitalis. Interference with the absorption of oral phosphate supplements has been observed with another positively-charged bile acid sequestrant. Cholestyramine resin may interfere with the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo enterohepatic circulation. The discontinuance of cholestyramine resin could pose a hazard to health if a potentially toxic drug such as digitalis has been titrated to a maintenance level while the patient was taking cholestyramine resin.
Because cholestyramine binds bile acids, cholestyramine resin may interfere with normal fat digestion and absorption and thus may prevent absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. When cholestyramine resin is given for long periods of time, concomitant supplementation with water-miscible (or parenteral) forms of fat-soluble vitamins should be considered.
SINCE CHOLESTYRAMINE RESIN MAY BIND OTHER DRUGS GIVEN CONCURRENTLY, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PATIENTS TAKE OTHER DRUGS AT LEAST 1 HOUR BEFORE OR 4 TO 6 HOURS AFTER CHOLESTYRAMINE RESIN (OR AT AS GREAT AN INTERVAL AS POSSIBLE) TO AVOID IMPEDING THEIR ABSORPTION.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
In studies conducted in rats in which cholestyramine resin was used as a tool to investigate the role of various intestinal factors, such as fat, bile salts and microbial flora, in the development of intestinal tumors induced by potent carcinogens, the incidence of such tumors was observed to be greater in cholestyramine resin-treated rats than in control rats.
The relevance of this laboratory observation from studies in rats to the clinical use of cholestyramine resin is not known. In the LRC-CPPT study referred to above, the total incidence of fatal and nonfatal neoplasms was similar in both treatment groups. When the many different categories of tumors are examined, various alimentary system cancers were somewhat more prevalent in the cholestyramine group. The small numbers and the multiple categories prevent conclusions from being drawn. However, in view of the fact that cholestyramine resin is confined to the GI tract, and not absorbed and in light of the animal experiments referred to above, a six-year post-trial follow-up of the LRC-CPPT5 patient population has been completed (a total of 13.4 years of in-trial plus post-trial follow-up) and revealed no significant difference in the incidence of cause-specific mortality or cancer morbidity between cholestyramine and placebo treated patients.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of cholestyramine in pregnancy or lactation or by women of childbearing age requires that the potential benefits of drug therapy be weighted against the possible hazards to the mother and child. Cholestyramine is not absorbed systemically, however, it is known to interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; accordingly, regular prenatal supplementation may not be adequate (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).
Nursing Mothers
Caution should be exercised when cholestyramine resin is administered to a nursing mother. The possible lack of proper vitamin absorption described in the Pregnancy section may have an effect on nursing infants.
Pediatric Use
Although an optimal dosage schedule has not been established, standard texts (6,7) list a usual pediatric dose of 240 mg/kg/day of anhydrous cholestyramine resin in two to three divided doses, normally not to exceed 8 g/day with dose titration based on response and tolerance.
In calculating pediatric dosages, 44.4 mg of anhydrous cholestyramine resin are contained in 100 mg of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP.
The effects of long-term drug administration, as well as its effect in maintaining lowered cholesterol levels in pediatric patients, are unknown. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS.
Adverse Reactions ⮝
The most common adverse reaction is constipation. When used as a cholesterol-lowering agent, predisposing factors for most complaints of constipation are high dose and increased age (more than 60 years old). Most instances of constipation are mild, transient, and controlled with conventional therapy. Some patients require a temporary decrease in dosage or discontinuation of therapy.
Less Frequent Adverse Reactions- Abdominal discomfort and/or pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eructation, anorexia, steatorrhea, bleeding tendencies due to hypoprothrombinemia (Vitamin K deficiency) as well as Vitamin A (one case of night blindness reported) and D deficiencies, hyperchloremic acidosis in children, osteoporosis, rash and irritation of the skin, tongue and perianal area. Rare reports of intestinal obstruction, including two deaths, have been reported in pediatric patients.
Occasional calcified material has been observed in the biliary tree, including calcification of the gallbladder, in patients to whom cholestyramine resin has been given. However, this may be a manifestation of the liver disease and not drug related.
One patient experienced biliary colic on each of three occasions on which he took a cholestyramine for oral suspension product. One patient diagnosed as acute abdominal symptom complex was found to have a pasty mass in the transverse colon on x-ray.
Other events (not necessarily drug related) reported in patients taking cholestyramine resin include:
Gastrointestinal: GI-rectal bleeding, black stools, hemorrhoidal bleeding, bleeding from known duodenal ulcer, dysphagia, hiccups, ulcer attack, sour taste, pancreatitis, rectal pain, diverticulitis.
Laboratory Test Changes: Liver function abnormalities.
Hematologic: Prolonged prothrombin time, ecchymosis, anemia.
Hypersensitivity: Urticaria, asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath.
Musculoskeletal: Backache, muscle and joint pains, arthritis.
Neurologic: Headache, anxiety, vertigo, dizziness, fatigue, tinnitus, syncope, drowsiness, femoral nerve pain, paresthesia.
Eye: Uveitis.
Renal: Hematuria, dysuria, burnt odor to urine, diuresis.
Miscellaneous: Weight loss, weight gain, increased libido, swollen glands, edema, dental bleeding, dental caries, erosion of tooth enamel, tooth discoloration.
Overdosage ⮝
Overdosage of cholestyramine resin has been reported in a patient taking 150% of the maximum recommended daily dosage for a period of several weeks. No ill effects were reported. Should an overdosage occur, the chief potential harm would be obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. The location of such potential obstruction, the degree of obstruction, and the presence or absence of normal gut motility would determine treatment.
Dosage And Administration ⮝
The recommended starting adult dose for Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder is one packet or one 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 packets 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 packets 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 packet 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.
How Supplied ⮝
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder orange flavor is available in cartons of sixty 9 gram packets and in cans containing 378 grams. Nine grams of Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP powder contain 4 grams of anhydrous cholestyramine resin.
NDC 62559-620-60 Carton of 60 packets
NDC 62559-620-37 Can, 378 g (containing a scoop that is not interchangeable with scoops from other products)
Storage: Store at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
References ⮝
1. The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial Results: (I) Reduction in Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease; (II) The Relationship of Reduction in Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease to Cholesterol Lowering. JAMA. 1984; 251:351-374.
2. Brensike JF, Levy RI, Kelsey SF, et al. Effects of therapy with cholestyramine on progression of coronary arteriosclerosis: results of the NHLBI type II coronary intervention study. Circulation 1984; 69:313-24.
3. Watts GF, Lewis B, Brunt JNH, Lewis ES, et al. Effects on coronary artery disease of lipid-lowering diet or diet plus cholestyramine, in the St. Thomas Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS). Lancet 1992; 339:563-69.
4. National Cholesterol Education Program. Second Report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel II). Circulation 1994 Mar;89 (3): 1333-445.
5. The Lipid Research Clinics Investigators. The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial Results of 6 Years of Post-Trial Follow-up. Arch Intern Med 1992; 152:1399-1410.
6. Behrman RE et al (eds): Nelson, Textbook of Pediatrics, ed 15. Philadelphia, PA, WB Saunders Company, 1996.
7. Takemoto CK et al (eds): Pediatric Dosage Handbook, ed 3. Cleveland/Akron, OH, Lexi-Comp, Inc., 1996/1997.
Manufactured by:
ANI Pharmaceuticals Canada, Inc.
Oakville, ON L6H 1M5
CanadaDistributed by:
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Baudette, MN 5662310224 Rev 09/19
Package/label Principal Display Panel ⮝
NDC 62559-620-37
Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP
POWDER
4 grams cholestyramine resin USP per scoopful*
Orange Flavor
42 MEASURED DOSES
Rx only
CONTENTS: 378 g (168 g CHOLESTYRAMINE RESIN USP)
CHOLESTYRAMINE
cholestyramine powder, for suspension
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:62559-620 Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CHOLESTYRAMINE (UNII: 4B33BGI082) (CHOLESTYRAMINE - UNII:4B33BGI082) CHOLESTYRAMINE 4 g in 9 g
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength ACACIA (UNII: 5C5403N26O) ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL) D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G) FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 (UNII: H77VEI93A8) POLYSORBATE 80 (UNII: 6OZP39ZG8H) PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE (UNII: 26CD3J2R0C) SUCROSE (UNII: C151H8M554)
Product Characteristics Color YELLOW Score Shape Size Flavor ORANGE Imprint Code Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:62559-620-37 378 g in 1 CAN; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 06/26/2018
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA074554 06/26/2018
Labeler - ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (145588013)
Registrant - ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (145588013) Revised: 10/2019 Document Id: a4e22472-ccf2-4cea-9d80-9f943b7b4e0b Set id: ac385fd9-fb8c-461f-959c-322c38f4515e Version: 4 Effective Time: 20191011 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
