Cholestyramine

The Basics

What is Cholestyramine?

Used to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood.

Brand names for Cholestyramine

Questran

How Cholestyramine is classified

Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents

Cholestyramine During Pregnancy

Cholestyramine pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Cholestyramine while pregnant

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of QUESTRAN 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. QUESTRAN 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).

Taking Cholestyramine While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is a nonabsorbable resin. Because it does not enter the mother’s bloodstream, it will not reach the infant via breastmilk. It is acceptable for use during lactation.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Cholestyramine is a nonabsorbable resin. Because it does not enter the mother’s bloodstream, it will not reach the infant via breastmilk. It is acceptable for use during lactation.

Possible effects of Cholestyramine on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Cholestyramine

(Hypercholesterolemia) Colesevelam, Colestipol.