Note: This document contains side effect information about cholestyramine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Cholestyramine Light.
Applies to cholestyramine: oral powder for suspension.
In some animal studies, cholestyramine (the active ingredient contained in Cholestyramine Light) was found to cause tumors. It is not known whether cholestyramine causes tumors in humans.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, cholestyramine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cholestyramine:
Rare
- Black, tarry stools
- stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking cholestyramine:
More common
- Constipation
Rare
- Loss of weight (sudden)
Other side effects
Some side effects of cholestyramine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Heartburn or indigestion
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
Less common
- Belching
- bloating
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to cholestyramine: compounding powder, oral powder for reconstitution.
General
The most frequently reported side effect is constipation.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Constipation
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tongue irritation, irritation of perianal area, abdominal discomfort/pain/distention, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, dyspepsia, steatorrhea
Rare (less than 0.1%): Intestinal obstruction
Frequency not reported: Rectal bleeding, black stools, hemorrhoidal bleeding, bleeding from known duodenal ulcer, dysphagia, hiccoughs, ulcer attack, sour taste, pancreatitis, rectal pain, diverticulitis, eructation, dental bleeding, dental caries, calcification of gallbladder, tooth discoloration, erosion of tooth enamel[Ref]
Intestinal obstruction occurred rarely and 2 deaths in pediatric patients were reported.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Claudication, angina, arteritis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, postprandial angina increased[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Osteoporosis
Frequency not reported: Backache, arthritis, muscle/joint pain[Ref]
Hematologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bleeding
Frequency not reported: Prothrombin time increased, prothrombin time decreased, anemia, hypoprothrombinemia[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, hyperchloremic acidosis, Vitamin A deficiency, Vitamin K deficiency[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, skin irritation
Frequency not reported: Ecchymosis, xanthoma of hands/fingers, urticaria[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Liver function test abnormal[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Headache, paresthesia, syncope, dizziness, drowsiness, femoral nerve pain[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Vertigo, weight loss, weight gain, glands swollen, edema, chest pain, tinnitus[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Arcus juvenilis, uveitis, night blindness[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Hematuria, dysuria, burnt odor to urine, diuresis[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Libido increased[Ref]
