Definition
The term "cholestasis" refers to a condition characterized by an "alteration of the flow of bile, which normally reaches the duodenum from the liver and gallbladder.
Cholestasis is not considered a real pathology, but a condition that can be associated with different types of pathologies.
Causes
As mentioned, cholestasis can be associated with different types of diseases.
Among the main pathologies that can cause cholestasis, we remember: tumors of the bile ducts, liver diseases, the presence of stones in the common hepatic duct, stenosis of the bile ducts, tumors of the liver or pancreas, acute viral hepatitis, Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, sepsis, tuberculosis, sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis.
In addition, alcohol abuse and the use of certain types of drugs can also promote the development of cholestasis.
Symptoms
The main symptom that characterizes cholestasis is skin itching.
Other characteristic symptoms that may occur are: light stools, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, jaundice and digestive difficulties with steatorrhea.
In the event that cholestasis is caused by the presence of stones in the bile ducts, patients may also feel a very intense pain in the upper part of the abdomen, which can extend to the back of the torso.
The information on Cholestasis - Cholestasis Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Cholestasis - Cholestasis Treatment Drugs.
Medicines
The therapeutic approach that you decide to take depends on the primary cause that has favored the development of cholestasis. Therefore, the treatment will be aimed at curing the pathology underlying the compromised bile flow.
However, some medications can be used to reduce some of the symptoms induced by cholestasis.
More precisely, the symptomatic treatment of cholestasis is aimed at relieving patients from the annoying skin itching that characterizes it. The active ingredient most used to achieve this is cholestyramine administered orally. Alternatively, the doctor may decide to prescribe a short topical corticosteroid drug treatment to patients.
Finally, it is good to remember that during the treatment of cholestasis and the primary causes that have caused its development, it is very important that patients do not take substances that are toxic to the liver, such as alcohol, fried fats and some types of drugs.
The following are the drugs most used in the symptomatic therapy that can be undertaken against cholestasis and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Cholestyramine
As mentioned, cholestyramine (Questran ®) is the first-line drug used to treat the annoying itchy skin that occurs in patients with cholestasis.
Cholestyramine is a drug available for oral administration in the form of a powder for oral suspension.
When used for the treatment of itching associated with cholestasis, the usual dose of cholestyramine is 4-8 grams per day, taken before meals.
Corticosteroids
For the treatment of the main symptom that characterizes cholestasis - that is skin itching - the doctor may decide to prescribe the administration of topical corticosteroid drugs.
However, due to the side effects these drugs can cause, their use should only take place under the close supervision of the doctor himself and only for short periods of time.
Among the various active ingredients that can be used, we remember:
- Betamethasone (Ecoval ®, Beben ®): betamethasone is a corticosteroid available in various formulations for skin use, including creams, emulsions, skin solutions and ointments. Generally, it is recommended to apply the product directly on the affected area once or twice a day, or according to the doctor's judgment.
- Dexamethasone (Dermadex ®): dexamethasone for cutaneous use has specific therapeutic indications for the symptomatic treatment of itching and is available in the form of a skin cream.
Usually, it is recommended to apply the dexamethasone cream two or three times a day, directly to the affected area. In any case, the frequency of administration and the duration of treatment must be determined by the doctor. - Hydrocortisone (Locoidon ®, Dermirit ®): hydrocortisone is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of various skin disorders, including itching. It is recommended to apply the product for skin use based on hydrocortisone 1-2 times daily, directly on the affected area, or according to the doctor's prescription.
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