From a chemical point of view, cholestyramine is an anionic exchange resin that exchanges the chlorine ions present in it with the anionic bile acids present in the enteric tract. To carry out its therapeutic action, the active ingredient must be taken orally.
Cholestyramine, at the moment (September 2019) is available in a "single medicinal product with the trade name Questran®. The latter" can be dispensed in pharmacies upon presentation of a repeatable medical prescription (RR); however, being classified as a group A drug, in the foreseen cases, its cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System (SSN).
in the blood, in particular, in patients:
- With primary hypercholesterolemia;
- With hypercholesterolemia associated with hypertriglyceridemia, but only when hypercholesterolemia represents the main therapeutic problem; on the contrary, if the primary alteration was hypertriglyceridemia, the use of cholestyramine would not be indicated;
- With an excess of cholesterol that cannot be controlled by diet alone.
In addition to this, cholestyramine is also indicated to reduce the itching associated with the partial blockage of the biliary tract.
