Colestyramine
- For lipid reduction or diarrhoea: introduce gradually over 3-4 weeks. Maintenance dosage usually 12-24 g daily in water (or another suitable liquid) in single or up to 4 divided doses.
- Up to 36 g daily can be used if necessary
- For pruritus: 4-8 g daily in water (or other suitable liquid).
Colestipol
- For lipid reduction: 5 g 1-2 times daily in liquid, increased if necessary at intervals of 1-2 months to a maximum of 30 g daily (in single or 2 divided doses).
These drugs cause constipation in 50% of patients.
- Nausea and heartburn are common.
- These drugs will reduce absorption of the vitamins A, D, E, and K; prolonged treatment can cause deficiency. Give vitamin A, D, and K supplements to those taking long-term treatment.
- These drugs rarely cause a hypochloraemic acidosis.
Advise the patient not to take any other drugs either 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after taking these drugs.
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