What is CHOLTRAN SACHET?

Introduction:

Choltran is used to lower high cholesterol levels in your body. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood vessels and causes narrowing, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. It contains cholestyramine which belongs to a group of medicines called bile acid binding resins. Choltran works in the digestive system and absorbs the cholesterol-containing bile acids, which then pass out through the body in the faeces. It may also be used to help stop some types of diarrhoea or itching caused by any liver disease.

The most common side effects of this medicine are constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea and loss of appetite. This medicine is not suitable for children below 6 years of age. As alcohol can increase your cholesterol level, it is recommended to keep your alcohol intake within the recommended guidelines as advised by your doctor. If you have been prescribed this medicine to reduce your cholesterol levels, it is recommended that you follow a low-fat diet to achieve best results. This medication comes as a powder that you mix with a non-carbonated drink or applesauce and take by mouth.

Key Composition of Choltran:

• Cholestyramine

Therapeutic uses of Choltran:

• It is used to reduce high cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease
• It may also be used to help stop some types of diarrhea or itching caused by any liver disease

Side effects of Choltran:

• constipation
• bloating or wind (flatulence)
• feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
• upset stomach or stomach pain
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite

How to manage side effects:

Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting:

Take this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack to ease feelings of sickness. If you're pregnant, it could be morning sickness that's making you feel sick.

Bloating or wind:

Eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor straight away.

Constipation: 

Start with a low dose and increase it slowly until you are taking the full number of sachets as prescribed by your doctor. Eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run.

Diarrhoea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can also eat and drink slowly or have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your doctor.

Safety advice:

• Always use this medicine as directed by your physician.
• This medicine should not be taken in dry form.
• Mix the contents of the sachet into 150ml of water, milk, fruit juice or food soups and stir well.
• Swallow the total mixture immediately.
• Do not mix the content into very hot milk or water.
• Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the therapy depending upon your condition.
• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to cholestyramine.
• Do not take this medicine if you have gall stones or any other liver disease without consulting doctor.
• This medicine is not suitable for children below 6 years of age.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while you are taking cholestyramine.
• It is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use, including prescription and non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements.
• Any other medicines should be taken at least 1 hour before, or 4 – 6 hours after you have taken your dose of Choltran.

More information:

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in cool and dry place.
• Protect from light.

FAQ’s:

Can Choltran be taken with fruit juice?

Yes. This medicine can be taken along with fruit juice, soups or milk.

How to use Choltran?

Mix the contents of the sachet into 150ml of water, milk, fruit juice or food soups and stir well. Swallow the total mixture immediately. Do not mix the content into very hot milk or water.

Can Choltran cause constipation?

Yes. The most common side effect of using this medicine is constipation. To avoid this, start with a low dose and increase it slowly until you are taking the full number of sachets as prescribed by your doctor. Eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run.

Can Choltran be used in pregnant women?

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/cholestyramine-oral-suspension#side-effects