Products
Colestyramine is commercially available as a powder in sachets (Quantalan). It has been approved in many countries since 1990.
Structure and properties
Colestyramine is a strongly basic anion exchange resin in the chloride form, consisting of a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer with quaternary ammonium groups. It exists as a white, fine, hygroscopic powder that is insoluble in [water.
Effects
Colestyramine (ATC C10AC01) inhibits the absorption of cholesterol and is thus lipid-lowering.
Indications
- To lower serum cholesterol
- Secondary itching of a partial obstruction of the bile ducts.
- Diarrhea due to an excess of bile salts.
- As an adjuvant for detoxification in patients under the influence of phenprocoumon.
