Cholestyramine is an FDA approved medication that is typically prescribed to reduce cholesterol. It reduces cholesterol and fatty substances that can accumulate in arteries and lead to angina, stroke, and heart attack. In a powder form, the drug is mixed with water, juice, or food and taken 2-4 times daily. Cholestyramine is not like other medications used to treat high cholesterol however. It is not absorbed into the blood stream, instead binding to cholesterol and then being excreted from the body. This medication has been repurposed by doctors treating mold-related illnesses like chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).
What is Cholestyramine?
Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant. It forms complexes with bile acids in the intestine which are insoluble and are excreted naturally. As bile acids are lost, higher levels of cholesterol are converted to bile acids. Total plasma levels of cholesterol are reduced as a normalization of bile acid levels in the intestine is achieved. When used in CIRS patients, generally cholestyramine is used to reduce circulating levels of mold toxins. The medication has also been used to treat symptoms of bile acid malabsorption, itching related to liver failure, and clostridium difficile infections (to absorb toxins and reduce diarrhea). It is important to note however that cholestyramine is not an anti-infective, so other treatments are required when treating an infection. Cholestyramine is even used in pets when they have consumed excess levels of substances such as vitamin D3 or cyanobacteria to reduce the reabsorption through the intestines.
Why Pure Cholestyramine?
When we refer to pure cholestyramine resin, we are comparing it to the manufactured forms of the medication. The commercially available forms contain sweeteners and additives. Some forms include dyes and excipients like aspartame to which some individuals are sensitive. Doctors who are treating patients with CIRS tend to try to avoid products that contain excipients that may cause their patients to have a reaction. These patients tend to report higher levels of sensitivity to excipients.
Doctors who treat CIRS use cholestyramine to bind to toxins and prevent their reabsorption into the body. Cholestyramine is not the only binder that is capable of doing this, however it is the most powerful. Certain vegetables can be very effective as binders as well just not at the same level as cholestyramine resin.
CSM and Shoemaker Protocol
Pure cholestyramine resin is a part of the Shoemaker Protocol for treating biotoxin related illnesses. Per this protocol, the CSM binds to the biotoxins which are then excreted from the body. Prior to beginning any steps in the protocol, Dr. Shoemaker insists that you must remove yourself from the toxic environment.
Cholestyramine Side Effects
Side effects from taking cholestyramine can include constipation, bloating, stomach pain, and other gastrointestinal effects. Drinking plenty of water is essential to help reduce side effects like constipation.
Generally there is a wide margin of safety with cholestyramine use and it has few systemic adverse effects. For patients, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking as cholestyramine can interfere with their absorption. Timing your dosing can be important if you are taking other medications. In general, you should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after you take cholestyramine. If you experience any side effects from taking pure cholestyramine resin you should report them to your doctor.
Instructions for Use
You should always follow the instructions provided by your doctor and pharmacist. However in general the instructions for pure cholestyramine resin use are to mix with a glass of liquid and drink all at once. The liquid could be juice or water. You could also mix the cholestyramine with applesauce or soup however it is important to finish the entirety of the medication. The dry resin should never be taken on its own without being mixed with something. The mixture should not be taken over an extended period of time but instead all at once. If you miss a dose, you should not take 2 doses but simply wait to take your next dose at your usual time.
Using a Compounding Pharmacy
There are no commercially available (manufactured) forms of cholestyramine that are free of all additives, flavors, dyes, etc. A compounding pharmacy can offer pure cholestyramine that has no excipients. National Pharmacy provides pure cholestyramine and ships throughout the United States. We offer competitive pricing for all formulations. Click here to contact us today.
Articles
Cholestyramine – StatPearls
What To Know About Cholestyramine Resin – ASPCA
Chronic biotoxin-associated illness: multiple-system symptoms, a vision deficit, and effective treatment – Neurotoxicology and Teratology
Detoxing with Cholestyramine and Natural Binders – BioDesign Wellness Center
CSM Fact Sheet / What to Expect from Cholestyramine – survivingmold.com