Cholestyramine Light and Dextran 40

• Generic Name: cholestyramine
• Dosage Forms: powder, for suspension
• Other Brand Names: Cholestyramine Light, Prevalite, Questran, Questran Light, Locholest, Locholest Light, Questran Light Packets, Prevalite Packets, Questran Packets

Cholestyramine Light helps reduce cholesterol (fatty acids) in the blood. High cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Cholestyramine Light is used to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad" cholesterol).

Cholestyramine Light powder is also used to treat itching caused by a blockage in the bile ducts of the gallbladder.

Cholestyramine Light may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: dextran, low molecular weight
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: LMD

Early fluid replacement and plasma volume expansion in the adjunctive treatment of certain types of shock or impending shock (e.g., burns, surgery, hemorrhage, or other trauma in which a circulating volume deficit is present) when whole blood or blood products are not available, or when the need for haste precludes the necessary cross-matching of blood.

Minimizes sludging of blood as a result of microcirculation effects.

Not a replacement for other forms of therapy; complementary to fluids and electrolytes.

Priming fluid (alone or as an additive to other priming fluids) in pump oxygenators for perfusion during extracorporeal circulation.

Prophylaxis of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism for surgical procedures associated with a high risk of thromboembolic complications (e.g., hip surgery).

May be beneficial in patients undergoing hip surgery; however, has not been shown to be more effective than oral anticoagulants or heparin in patients undergoing general surgery.

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) does not recommend as sole method of thromboprophylaxis in elective hip arthroplasty.