Cholestyramine Light Side Effects

Generic name: cholestyramine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

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]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer