How It Works
Cholestyramine attaches to bile in the intestine, which limits how much oxalate your intestines absorb. This reduces the amount of oxalate found in the urine and reduces the risk of forming kidney stones.
Why It Is Used
Cholestyramine is used in people with high levels of oxalate, especially those who also have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
How Well It Works
Taking cholestyramine along with drinking more fluids and eating fewer high-oxalate foods may prevent kidney stones. Foods high in oxalate include dark green vegetables, rhubarb, chocolate, tea and colas, wheat bran, nuts, cranberries, beans, and coffee.
Side Effects
The side effects of cholestyramine include:
- Constipation.
- Abdominal (stomach) pain.
- Gas.
- Heartburn.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be able to reduce their risk of forming kidney stones by taking cholestyramine.
Cholestyramine is more commonly used to help lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
| Last Updated | May 30, 2007 |
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