Cholestyramine for PBC

Overview
Cholestyramine is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat itching associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Itching is a common symptom of PBC. Cholestyramine is sold under brand names such as Locholest, Locholest Light, Prevalite, Questran, and Questran Light.

Cholestyramine is a member of a class of drugs called bile acid sequestrants. Cholestyramine is believed to work by removing bile acid from your body and decreasing the amount of “bad cholesterol” in your blood. This helps relieve itching for some people with PBC, but it does not slow or stop the condition PBC itself.

How do I take it?
Cholestyramine comes in powder form, which is usually dissolved in water or juice and taken once or twice a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the proper dose.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for cholestyramine lists common side effects including constipation, bloating, stomach pain, gas, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, heartburn, and
indigestion.

Rare but serious side effects listed for cholestyramine include allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), bloody or black tarry stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on the skin, and unusual bruising or bleeding.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Cholestyramine Powder for Suspension — Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/194...

Cholestyramine — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cholestyramine.html