COLESTYRAMINE Meaning and
Definition
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Colestyramine is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants. It is generally prescribed to treat certain conditions associated with high levels of cholesterol in the blood, particularly hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia refers to abnormally elevated levels of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, within the bloodstream.
The primary mechanism of action of colestyramine involves binding to bile acids in the intestines, forming a complex that prevents their reabsorption. This process leads to increased elimination of bile acids from the body via fecal excretion, prompting the liver to produce more bile salts by utilizing cholesterol present in the bloodstream. Consequently, the overall cholesterol levels in the bloodstream are reduced through the removal of bile acids.
Colestyramine is available in powder or granule form and is typically taken orally, usually mixed with water or another liquid. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by a healthcare professional. Usage of colestyramine might also be accompanied by dietary modifications to optimize its effectiveness.
Although colestyramine is primarily used to manage high cholesterol levels, it may also be prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with certain liver conditions, such as primary biliary cholangitis and itching caused by partial biliary obstruction. Furthermore, this medication can be beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea resulting from excess bile acids within the intestines.
As with any medication, colestyramine may have potential side effects, ranging from mild gastrointestinal disturbances like bloating and constipation to more severe complications, such as increased bleeding tendencies or vitamin deficiencies. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance regarding the use of colestyramine.
Common Misspellings for COLESTYRAMINE
- xolestyramine
- volestyramine
- folestyramine
- dolestyramine
- cilestyramine
- cklestyramine
- cllestyramine
- cplestyramine
- c0lestyramine
- c9lestyramine
- cokestyramine
- copestyramine
- cooestyramine
- colwstyramine
- colsstyramine
- coldstyramine
- colrstyramine
- col4styramine
- col3styramine
- coleatyramine
Etymology of COLESTYRAMINE
The word "Colestyramine" is a combination of two parts: "cole-" and "-styramine".
The first part, "cole-", is derived from "chole-" or "chol-", which comes from the Greek word "khole" meaning "bile". In medicine, "chole-" or "chol-" is commonly used to refer to substances related to bile or the gallbladder.
The second part, "-styramine", is derived from the compound "styramine" or "styrene". Styramine is a synthetic substance obtained from the polymerization of styrene, a compound used in the production of various plastics and resins. In the case of colestyramine, the addition of "-styramine" to the root "cole-" suggests that it is a modified form or derivative of a substance related to bile or the gallbladder.
